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Resist the urge to overreact to Week 1! Making sense of Lamar Jackson's big day, more

Chicago began its campaign with an explosive 59-37 victory over Carolina, racking up 552 total yards across 70 snaps while converting 10 out of 14 third-down tries. Caleb Williams fueled the outburst with 269 yards through the air and two passing scores alongside 65 rushing yards and another pair of touchdowns, while D'Andre Swift paced a duo of 100-yard rushers by collecting 134 yards and three scores.

The offensive explosion aligns with second-year head coach Ben Johnson's stated target of breaking the 2013 Denver Broncos' all-time record of 606 points.

Despite the victory and punting just twice, Chicago's defensive vulnerabilities were fully exposed as they surrendered 478 yards to Bryce Young and the Panthers, preventing them from putting the game away before the final period. The unit entered the season compromised by injuries in the secondary, with free-agent addition Coby Bryant sidelined for an extended stretch due to a training camp knee injury and safety Xavier Woods inactive on Sunday with a groin issue.