The match between the teams, who have a total of 3 wins and 14 losses, went as expected.
The Panthers led the Bears 10-9 at halftime.
Chicago outperformed Carolina offensively, gaining more plays (42 vs. 24), more yards (205 vs. 97), and more first downs (13 vs. 6). But the Bears had field goals of 54, 36 and 39 from Cairo Santos, with the last one coming on the final play of the first half.
The Bears’ three scoring drives ended at 36, 18, and 21.
But Ymir Smith-Marsette’s 79-yard punt return for a touchdown gave Carolina the lead. It was the Panthers’ first return touchdown since Nov. 26, 2017 against the Jets, and Smith-Marsette became the seventh player in franchise history with a punt return touchdown.
The Panthers’ four drives were nine plays for 32 yards, eight plays for 60 yards, three plays for minus-6 yards and five plays for 21 yards.
Bryce Young went just 7-of-14 for 63 yards. He also rushed for 16 yards on two carries and two first downs. Adam Thielen had three catches for eight yards. 45 of Young’s passing yards went to practice squad player Mike Strachan, and Eddie Pineiro made a 33-yard field goal.
Bears rookie Tyler Bagent completed 14 of 24 for 127 yards. He led the Bears with a nine-play, 70-yard drive on the final drive of the first half.
DJ Moore had four catches for 49 yards against his former team.