QUARTERBACK (A)
Caleb Williams was productive and efficient in the best performance of his five-game rookie season. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 126.2 passer rating. He added 34 yards on five carries — scrambling for two first downs on the first-half touchdown drive that gave the Bears a 14-7 lead. He had a couple of miscommunications, but those were not costly against a subpar — and short-handed — Panthers defense.
OFFENSIVE LINE (B)
It didn’t look good when left guard Teven Jenkins, who was playing with bruised ribs, left in the second quarter with an ankle injury, but that was not costly against a sub-par — and short-handed — Panthers defense. In fact, with Bill Murray replacing Jenkins, the line gave Williams ample time on several occasions.
With Doug Kramer being used as an extra blocker, the Bears rushed for three touchdowns. But D’Andre Swift (21 carries, 73 yards, one touchdown) and Roschon Johnson (10-25, two touchdowns). Were held to a combined 31 carries for 98 yards (3.2 average). Pryor was called for a false start and ineligible man downfield, but penalties were not an issue.
SHANE WALDRON (B)
The Bears’ offensive coordinator had an effective game plan that utilized the running game (31 running back carries) even when it wasn’t particularly effective (3.7 yards per carry). That helped open things up in the passing game as the Bears had more open and wide-open receivers in this game than any other game under Waldron.
The offense opened with a three-and-out, but never had another one in gaining 424 yards on 69 carries (6.1 yards per play) and scoring 30 points against a sub-par — and short-handed — Panthers’ defense. After the Bears fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter, the offense responded with four touchdowns in its next five possessions.
DEFENSIVE LINE (A)
Second-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter continues to get better with every game. Dexter had a sack for the fourth time in six games, four quarterback hits overall and recovered a fumble for a key takeaway. Andrew Billings had a sack and DeMarcus Walker shared one with cornerback Kyler Gordon.
SECONDARY (A)
Safety Jaquan Brisker’s forced fumble on a big hit was a big play with the Bears leading 14-7 in the second quarter. Safety Kevin Byard had an interception and a tackle for loss. Cornerback Kyler Gordon shared a sack and recovered a fumble. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson had two pass break-ups.