Rapid Recap: Bears take down Panthers in primetime
Key Moments
Bears defense holds Panthers without a touchdown and forces three turnovers.
D'Onta Foreman scores the game's only offensive touchdown on a 4-yard run in the third quarter.
Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro misses a 59-yard field goal attempt with 1:35 to play.
The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-13 in primetime on Thursday night, thanks to a strong defensive performance and a go-ahead touchdown by running back D'Onta Foreman.
The Bears defense held the Panthers without a touchdown, forcing three turnovers in the process. Foreman scored the game's only offensive touchdown on a 4-yard run in the third quarter. The Panthers cut the deficit to 16-13 on a 30-yard field goal by Eddy Piñeiro with 11:06 to play, but their comeback attempt fell short when Piñeiro missed a 59-yard field goal attempt with 1:35 to play.
Defense Leads the Way for Bears
The Bears defense was the star of the show on Thursday night, holding the Panthers to just 213 total yards and 12 first downs. The Bears also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions of Panthers quarterback P.J. Walker.
The Bears' pass rush was particularly effective, sacking Walker three times and pressuring him throughout the game. The Bears also did a good job of containing the Panthers' running game, holding them to just 79 rushing yards.
Foreman Provides Offensive Spark
Foreman was the only Bears player to score a touchdown on Thursday night, but he made it count. His 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Bears a 16-10 lead and proved to be the game-winner.
Foreman finished the game with 115 rushing yards on 21 carries. He also had one catch for 10 yards.
Panthers Come Up Short
The Panthers had a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter, but they couldn't convert on a crucial fourth-down play. With 1:35 to play and the Bears leading 16-13, the Panthers faced fourth-and-10 from the Bears' 41-yard line. Piñeiro's 59-yard field goal attempt fell well short, giving the Bears the win.
The Panthers struggled to move the ball on offense all night long. Walker finished the game with 155 passing yards and two interceptions. He was also sacked three times.
What's Next?
The Bears will improve to 4-6 with the win, while the Panthers will fall to 3-7. The Bears will travel to play the New York Jets next week, while the Panthers will host the Atlanta Falcons.
Analysis
The Bears' victory over the Panthers was a much-needed one for a team that was coming off of a three-game losing streak. The Bears' defense played one of its best games of the season, and Foreman provided a spark on offense.
The Panthers, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance. They had a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter, but they couldn't convert on a crucial fourth-down play.
Conclusion
The Bears' victory over the Panthers was a well-deserved one. The Bears' defense played one of its best games of the season, and Foreman provided a spark on offense. The Panthers will need to improve their offensive execution if they want to make a push for the playoffs.