59 Points: Breaking Down One Of Carolina’s Ugliest Losses in Franchise History

The Carolina Panthers opened the 2026 season with one of the ugliest results in franchise history, falling 59-37 to the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium in a game that produced 96 combined points — an NFL record for a season opener. The 59 points allowed are the most in Panthers history, topping the 52 the defense surrendered in Oakland in 2000 and in Pittsburgh in 2018. Chicago finished with 552 total yards and ran for more than 300 yards on the ground, the third-most rushing yards Carolina has ever allowed in a single game. It wasn’t for lack…