Johnson doubles down on Bears' offense after 59-point Week 1 eruption — SkimNews
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- Ben Johnson reaffirmed his goal of making the Bears the highest-scoring offense in NFL history — surpassing the 2013 Broncos' 37.9 points-per-game mark — after Chicago's 59-37 win over Carolina
- The Bears' 59 points were the fourth-most in a single game in franchise history, and the teams' combined 96 points set a record for most in a season opener
- Caleb Williams recorded his first career game with multiple rushing touchdowns, completing 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two TDs
- D'Andre Swift led a dominant rushing attack with 124 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries, while Kyle Monangai added 100 yards and a score
- The Panthers' defense — reinforced by edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (four years, $120 million) and linebacker Devin Lloyd (three years, $42 million) this offseason — allowed 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 39 carries
- The Bears committed 12 penalties and fumbled on their opening drive, with Williams saying "we obviously have to be better" despite the lopsided final score
Why it matters: The win validates Johnson's audacious preseason declaration, but the 12 penalties and sluggish start reveal plenty of room for growth before the Bears are a finished product. Carolina, meanwhile, now faces immediate scrutiny of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after a defense that just committed $162 million to Phillips and Lloyd got gashed for 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
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