Rapid Recap: Bears take down Panthers in primetime

The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-13 in primetime on Thursday, November 10, 2023, at Soldier Field. The Bears defense held the Panthers without a touchdown, allowing only 213 total yards and 12 first downs. The Bears also registered three sacks.

The Bears offense was led by running back D'Onta Foreman, who scored the game's only offensive touchdown on a 4-yard run in the third quarter.

The Panthers took a 7-0 lead on a 79-yard punt return touchdown by Ihmir Smith-Marsette in the first quarter. The Bears responded with a 54-yard field goal by Cairo Santos to cut the deficit to 7-3.

The Panthers extended their lead to 10-3 on a 33-yard field goal by Eddy Piñeiro early in the second quarter. The Bears tied the game at 10-10 on a 39-yard field goal by Santos as time expired in the first half.

The Bears took the lead for good in the third quarter on Foreman's touchdown run.

The Panthers had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but Piñeiro missed a 59-yard field goal attempt.

The Bears' victory improved their record to 6-4, while the Panthers fell to 3-7.

Bears Defense Dominates

The Bears defense was the star of the show on Thursday night. They held the Panthers to just 213 total yards and 12 first downs, and they didn't allow a touchdown.

The Bears' pass rush was particularly effective, registering three sacks on Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young. The Bears also did a good job of covering the Panther's receivers and forcing them into contested catches.

Foreman Provides Offensive Spark

The Bears offense struggled to generate much momentum on Thursday night, but running back D'Onta Foreman provided a spark. Foreman rushed for 70 yards and scored the game's only offensive touchdown.

Foreman's touchdown run came at a critical time in the game, giving the Bears a 16-10 lead midway through the third quarter. The Bears were able to hold on to that lead for the rest of the game.

Panthers Miss Opportunities

The Panthers had a few opportunities to win the game on Thursday night, but they failed to capitalize.

In the fourth quarter, the Panthers had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but Eddy Piñeiro missed a 59-yard attempt. The Panthers also had a chance to drive for a winning touchdown in the final minutes of the game, but they were unable to convert on a fourth-down play.

Conclusion

The Bears' victory over the Panthers was a big one, as it helped them improve their record to 6-4 and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bear's defense was the key to victory, as they held the Panthers without a touchdown. D'Onta Foreman also provided a spark for the Bears offense, rushing for 70 yards and scoring the game's only offensive touchdown.

The Panthers, on the other hand, missed some opportunities to win the game. They failed to capitalize on a 79-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter, and they missed a 59-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter. The Panthers also failed to convert on a fourth-down play in the final minutes of the game that could have given them a chance to drive for a winning touchdown.

The Bears will look to continue their winning ways next week when they travel to face the Minnesota Vikings. The Panthers will look to get back on track next week when they host the Atlanta Falcons.