3 winners (and 5 losers) from Panthers' humiliating loss against the Bears

Loser No. 2

Tre'von Moehrig - Carolina Panthers S

The Carolina Panthers got a lot from veteran safety Tre'von Moehrig during his first season with the organization. Fans were expecting a similar impact right out of the gate in Week 1, but the hard-hitting defensive back looked lost.

Moehrig was unable to make his tackles count. His positional sense was poor. He failed to recognize play development quickly enough and looked hesitant in pursuing the correct running angles.

The TCU product turned in a sluggish performance, but he wasn't alone. Carolina's entire defense was unfit for purpose, and they had no idea how to contain the Chicago Bears' well-balanced offense led by Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.

Considering how Moehrig was constantly around the football last season, his three tackles signified just how poor his performance was. Not having a strong partner is problematic, but he can also bounce back if he makes the required adjustments.

Winner No. 2

Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR

The Panthers eventually decided to give wide receiver Jalen Coker a new contract this offseason. Judging by his ultra-dominant display against the Bears, this was a shrewd decision by general manager Dan Morgan.

Coker was relentless from start to finish. With the Bears focusing their attention on keeping Tetairoa McMillan quiet, the undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross took full advantage. His deep touchdown pass in the first half got the fans going, and he was able to make several other tough grabs to pick up where he left off last season.

The third-year wideout eventually finished with eight receptions from nine targets for 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Coker is proving to be much more than a complementary piece, and his growing chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young provided an added spark for new play-caller Brad Idzik to depend on.

And if the same trend continues, Coker's new contract is going to be an absolute steal.

Loser No. 3

Derrick Brown - Carolina Panthers DL

Derrick Brown needs no introduction. He is one of the league's best interior defensive linemen and arguably the Panthers' best overall player.

But this was a performance he would like to have back.

The Bears got whatever they wanted on the ground. D'Andre Swift was sensational, and he was ably assisted by Kyle Monangai. Both running backs went over 100 rushing yards, and quarterback Caleb Williams helped himself to 65 as the Panthers coughed up 291 yards and six scores defending the run.

Just unacceptable. And for once, Brown was part of the problem.

There were uncharacteristic lapses in concentration from Brown. He was responsible for two critical penalties when the tide may have turned, and the explosiveness off the snap wasn't at his typically dominant level.

Thankfully, there isn't much to worry about with Brown. He'll know that this wasn't good enough, but he's got the tools and the resolve to return to the player fans know and love.

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