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Stock up, stock down: Bears-Panthers

The Chicago Bears kicked off their 2026 NFL campaign with a high-scoring Week 1 triumph over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Chicago's offensive surge produced an extraordinary 59 points, securing the victory despite allowing over thirty points to the hosts.

Running back D'Andre Swift, now in his third season with the club after entering the league in 2020, delivered a standout showing highlighted by a first-quarter touchdown. Following the offensive barrage, both head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams emphasized the decisive impact of the ground attack, though Swift expressed that the team could have posted even higher scoring totals.

Evaluation of Chicago's individual performances marked rising stock for Swift and Walker, whereas Stevenson saw his trajectory drop. The running game earned top honors for orchestrating the win, even as the squad dealt with uneven defensive play.

In the aftermath of the historic opener, Johnson addressed the veteran running back's recent contract extension and praised his essential versatility within the offensive scheme.