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The Optimist: Worst Luke Kuechly tribute ever

The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59-37 in an unprecedented opening-week contest at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2026. The 96 cumulative points marked an all-time NFL record for the highest-scoring Week 1 matchup, officially eclipsed once Bryce Young's touchdown toss pushed the joint tally past 88 points.

Caleb Williams guided a dominant Chicago offensive unit under Ben Johnson, while Carolina receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. was among those attempting to keep pace in the high-scoring affair.

The outcome left Carolina dealing with a historic defensive collapse, as the 59 points surrendered established a new franchise record. Following the blowout, Panthers head coach Dave Canales faced questions regarding defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, while the victorious Bears unit set its sights on rectifying errors despite orchestrating the league's historic scoring surge.