The Carolina Panthers have the chance to make a big early statement against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Head coach Dave Canales has yet to taste an opening-day victory since taking the job. In fact, the franchise has fallen short in every game to start the campaign since 2021.
And according to one Bears expert, a potential blowout defeat at Bank of America Stadium is firmly on the table.
The Panthers are underdogs on home soil versus Chicago. Head coach Ben Johnson's squad is coming off a playoff return and, like Carolina, is looking to take the next step into legitimate contention. They have talent, but they are also vulnerable defensively.
Bears expert warns Carolina Panthers they could be in for a long afternoon
The Panthers can exploit this if they put the right game plan in place.
That didn't stop Anthony Miller of Bear Goggles On from making a bold prediction for the contest, claiming Chicago has the chance to run away with proceedings early if the offense clicks.
Miller acknowledged the Panthers might have an opportunity to put up points on the Bears, who have weaknesses in the secondary. But if quarterback Caleb Williams gets into his groove early, the expert is expecting a long afternoon at the office for Carolina.
"While there were some small additions on defense like Coby Bryant, Devin Bush, and Dillon Thieneman in the offseason, this Bears team is mostly the same from last year. Caleb Williams and the Bears' offense will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting again in 2025, but this team is still poised for the playoffs.
"Carolina's offense has a chance to put up some big yards on this Bears defense, but if they can't slow down Williams early, Chicago has a chance to run away with this game quick."
Challenge accepted.
Carolina Panthers still aren't being taken seriously, and that's fine
The atmosphere in Charlotte should be electric. Carolina is coming off its first NFC South championship in a decade, and Canales' team pushed the Los Angeles Rams incredibly close in the playoffs.
The injury problems aren't ideal. Even so, the impressive additions general manager Dan Morgan made this offseason will make this team even more competitive.
And yet, a stigma still surrounds the Panthers.
This franchise was always considered a bottom-feeder before Morgan and Canales took charge. They are slowly winning back respect, but most analysts still aren't ready to take them seriously.
That is all the motivation needed to silence their doubters.
The Bears will be a tough out. They look well balanced offensively, and Williams has extra familiarity working in Johnson's scheme for the second season. The signal-caller thrives working off-structure, so Ejiro Evero's defense must be ready for anything.
It'll be a difficult test for Carolina, but this franchise is brimming with confidence. And with the home crowd cheering them on, anyone expecting the Bears to cake-walk their way to a Week 1 victory might be out of luck.
And Carolina's opening-day jinx has to end sometime, right?
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