Carolina Panthers Declaw Chicago Bears 31-24

They came through. The Carolina Panthers came through and showed that moxie that we knew from last year. The Cam Newton and Greg Olsen connection punched it into the end zone twice. The defenses were the stars of the game, with turnovers playing a big role throughout.

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Panthers turnovers allowed the Bears to build a 21-7 lead in the first half, but the team decided that they would not go away quietly. The Bears, indeed, are who we thought they were, and the rejuvenated Bears defense could not keep Cam Newton from having a strong second half finding his receivers.

A fumble by the normally trusty Matt Forte was caused by Kawann Short. The Panthers recovered and then scored the final touchdown. A final Kawann Short sack sealed it, 31-24.

1. Greg Olsen Had Something to Play For

Olsen had six receptions for seventy-two yards and two touchdowns. If you think, I am taking the revenge against former team angle, I am not. This was the first game attended by Olsen’s young son TJ, coming off his third open heart surgery.

2. Philly Brown = Logistics

Brown was useful in two ways for the Panthers during the game. He was knocked off a punt return illegaly by the Bears’ Teddy Williams. Then, in the confusion, he picked up the ball and took off for the end zone.

The other use of Brown was more subtle. With depth at running back an issue, Brown became the pitch man on the speed option when the Panthers ran that. With Newton still not right, the Panthers did not run it much.

Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and free safety Charles Godfrey (30) react as the Chicago Bears turn the ball over on downs late in the 4th quarter. The Panthers defeated the Bears 31-24 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Return of the Panthers Line

The Panthers defensive line finally stepped up after two weeks. Other than the big plays by Short mentioned before, the Panthers got four sacks on Cutler. That included a big sack by Charles Johnson, though the Panthers were swarming by the end of the game. The results are visible in the two interceptions, one by each safety.

4. Matt Forte was the best player on the field not named Kuechly in the first half.

Matt Forte gashed the Panthers early, as the line was not quite up to stopping him. His biggest contribution was actually in the passing game where he was the most productive player. Forte had only 61 yards rushing but 105 receiving. Alshon Jeffrey had 97 yards. Brandon Marshall was only targeted 5 times for 3 catches and 44 yards.

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5. In the end, you live by Jay Cutler, you die by Jay Cutler

A Cutler interception to Thomas DeCoud led to the tying field goal for the Panthers.
This was a good win. Now we go to Cincinnati. The Panthers are 2-0 against the NFC North and 0-2 against the AFC North. It does not get any easier.