The Carolina Panthers allowed a franchise-record 59 points in a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Bank of America Stadium.
The day before, Panthers fans had packed the Bowl at Ballantyne for a free pep rally, grabbing team gear and lining up for face painting and balloon artists, WCNC reported. Andrew Wilbon and his family traveled from Arkansas and predicted a 27-23 Panthers win. Season ticket holder Josh Matienzo said Saturday evening he expected a Super Bowl run.
Sunday told a different story. The combined 96 points set an NFL record for the highest-scoring season opener in league history, breaking the previous mark of 88 set in Tampa Bay's 48-40 win over New Orleans in 2018, the Associated Press reported via QC News. The 59 points were the most the Panthers have allowed since the franchise began play in 1995.
"Fifty-nine is an ugly score to put up as a defense," Panthers edge rusher Jaelan Phillips told The Athletic. "It was embarrassing."
How the game unraveled
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 65 yards and two more scores. Running back D'Andre Swift, who signed a $33.75 million contract extension the week before the opener, ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
The game was tied 31-31 in the third quarter before Carolina fell apart. Defensive end Derrick Brown drew a late-hit penalty on Williams, extending a Bears drive that ended with Swift's 1-yard scoring run. Three turnovers compounded the damage: a muffed punt by Jimmy Horn, a fumble by receiver Tetairoa McMillan and an interception by quarterback Bryce Young.
The Bears scored touchdowns on three straight possessions to pull ahead 52-31.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the Bears had an incredible day and that Carolina gave a good offense too many extra opportunities. The Panthers' defense was supposed to be the team's biggest area of improvement after the club signed Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency, according to The Athletic.
Young threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a score. Receiver Jalen Coker caught eight passes for a career-high 138 yards and two touchdowns. It was not enough.
Ballantyne-area fans had a new way to get there
Some fans used a new transit option to reach the stadium. CATS and Tepper Sports and Entertainment offered express buses from eight park-and-ride locations, including the Waverly stop near Ballantyne, for less than $7 round trip. Jessica Munday, a Panthers fan from South Carolina, told QC News she and a friend met at Waverly and found the bus waiting.
The Panthers play at Atlanta the following Sunday.
