Week 6 Recap: Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers

Too many people’s surprise, the Chicago Bears find themselves at 5-1 after beating the Carolina Panthers in their Week 6 matchup. The Bears’ defense continued to dominate as the Panthers struggled to find consistency on offense allowing the Bears to sneak away with a win.

For Chicago, a top-notch defense allowed them to sneak out of Carolina with a 23-16 victory. Linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan accumulated 12 and 10 tackles, respectively, with Smith also grabbing a tackle for loss. The Bears were also able to get significant pressure on Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and capitalized with four sacks. Specifically, Khalil Mack, Bilal Nichols, James Vaughters, and Barkevious Mingo all got in on the action. The Bears also forced three turnovers with two interceptions, including a game-sealing pick by DeAndre Houston-Carson and a fumble recovery.

Offensively, the Bears were outgained by their opponent for the fourth time this season. Despite that, they are now 3-1 when this occured. Quarterback Nick Foles threw for just 198 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Wideout Allen Robinson led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets in this one. Additionally, rookie tight end Cole Kmet caught a beautiful 20-yard touchdown pass from Foles. Meanwhile, running back David Montgomery found some success on the ground rushing for 58 yards on 19 carries.

For the Panthers, the offense suffered due to injuries. Firstly, Christian McCaffrey has been out due to an ankle injury for several weeks. Furthermore, Mike Davis also dealt with in-game injuries. Wideout Curtis Samuel was also absent from this game due to injury, which left Trenton Cannon to carry the load when the Panthers were attempting to mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Bridgewater threw for 216 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. Additionally, Davis gave the Panthers their only touchdown of the day in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, the Panthers had a decent performance. They held the Bears offense to just 261 total yards and forced an interception from Foles. Safety Tre Boston led the team in tackles with eight, and rookie linebacker Jeremy Chinn knocked down two passes. Despite all this, the game was a defensive struggle, and the Panthers got the short end of the stick in this one.

Highlights

In traffic, what a TD for hometown kid, @ColeKmet! 🤩

📺: FOX#CHIvsCAR | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/Yui3oiEydu

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2020

Robby’s a real rocket 🚀 pic.twitter.com/kY43OYnXQT

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 18, 2020

Sneaky, sneaky. 🕵️‍♂️

📺: FOX#CHIvsCAR | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/WcgLBUcPOK

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2020

First career INT for DeAndre Houston-Carson couldn’t have come at a better time!

📺: FOX#CHIvsCAR | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/rfKvEOhtYI

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2020

Chicago is going to need to find something more on offense. While their defense has carried them this far, they will face much better offenses, including next weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. Foles will need to find more consistency while the Bears need to get Montgomery going more on the ground.

For the Panthers, health at their skill positions has been an unlucky issue. Hopefully, Davis will be healthy next week against the New Orleans Saints. Thus, allowing the offense to get back to its identity of letting Davis pound the ball, using misdirection, and then going over the top with Bridgewater.

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