The Panthers started on offense after the Bears won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Panthers had to start the drive at their own 10-yard line after an illegal double team block penalty on Pharoh Cooper’s kick return.
The Panthers first three plays were a Mike Davis run for a 1-yard loss, a sack on Teddy Bridgewater inside the 1-yard line and an interception that was returned to the Panthers’ 7-yard line by the Bears. It was not an ideal start for Carolina.
The Bears took advantage of the turnover and scored the game’s first touchdown to take an early lead over the Panthers with 11:40 left in the quarter.