The Carolina Panthers are holding their own against a tough Chicago Bears team at home so far. They trail Chicago 13-6 at the half.
Here is how things are going in all three phases.
Offense
Carolina’s first possession couldn’t have gone any worse. After starting at their own 10-yard line, Teddy Bridgewater was lucky to avoid a safety, then followed it up by throwing an interception on a tipped pass. That set the Bears up for a touchdown by rookie tight end Cole Kmet, giving them an early lead. Chicago’s defense continued to give the Panthers trouble throughout the half. Mike Davis has been unable to gain much traction, totaling just 39 yards on 10 carries. Most of their wide receivers are not getting open, either. D.J. Moore is the only player who’s really flashed on offense. He has 55 yards on four catches.
Defense
The Panthers’ passing defense continues to perform much better than most people expected coming into this year. The early touchdown pass was well covered, it was just a tremendous throw by Nick Foles (14/20, 114 yards) and catch by Kmet. Their usually-awful run defense is better today, as well. Bears running back David Montgomery is only averaging 1.9 yards per carry. Star defensive end Brian Burns is once again playing at a stupendous level, getting consistent pressure and being disruptive as hell in general.
Special teams
With the team’s offense struggling in the red zone yet again, kicker Joey Slye has had to step up. He’s made both field goal attempts but neither was from very far out.
Chicago receives to begin the second half.
