On one hand, the Bears offense could use some work. Then again, they’ve got three more games to figure it out. For betting on future games, Check out TopBettingAction.com all season long which includes NFL and live NCAAF college football odds.
The Panthers hosted the Bears to kick off the Marc Trestman era at Bank of America Stadium. The first-team went to work as Jay Cutler threw a ceremonial interception to begin. Three plays later Cam Newton hit Brandon LaFell for a 3-yard touchdown and an early 7-0 Carolina lead.
Following an empty possession the ball was back in Newton’s hands, but not for long. Jon Bostic, the rookie out of Florida, showed up for the interception. He returned it 51 yards for a pick six to tie it up at 7. That was one of three turnovers the Bears defense tallied in the first half.
Newton led Carolina for three series before exiting with 1 TD, 1 INT, on 3 of 6 passing. Cutler played the first quarter in its entirety going 6 of 8 for 56 yards and the aforementioned interception.
Josh McCown came in for the second-team offense. He completed 3 for 8 for just 27 yards and nearly nabbing the first offensive touchdown when TE Fendi Onobun let a wide open pass slip through his fingers. RB Armando Allen would fumble the ball, turning it over on the next play.
It remained uneventful until the end of the first half when Oregon’s Kenjon Barner rushed up the middle for a 5 yard touchdown. That gave the Panthers a 14-10 edge going into the break.
Carolina came back and extended their lead after Josh Norman picked off the Bears’ third QB Matt Blanchard for a 60-yard touchdown return to stretch it 21-10. Later on Chicago cut into the deficit when Michael Ford rushed 4 yards for a touchdown after Blanchard threw 58 yards to Marquess Wilson on the previous play. Wilson led the team with 82 yards receiving and Blanchard with 194 yards passing.
That would be the Bears final scoring drive in the 24-17 loss to Carolina. Chicago’s offensive line struggled providing hardly any protection around the pocket as Carolina recorded 7 sacks.
On the brightside the Bears recorded two interceptions on the night, the other coming from DB Zachary Bowman off of QB Derek Anderson. Rookie LB Khaseem Greene made a big defensive stop on the goal line to aid Chicago’s efforts. On the downside Henry Melton did check out of the game early with a concussion.
Next Thursday the the Bears will enjoy being home at Soldier Field while welcoming the San Diego Chargers for a 7:00pm kickoff.