Ben Johnson ‘could kind of tell’ Caleb Williams was locked in before Chicago Bears’ 59-point outburst, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/13/chicago-bears-carolina-panthers-59-points/)

In the Chicago Bears’ 2026 season opener against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Ben Johnson shared that he went to sleep on the eve of the game feeling completely confident because he could tell quarterback Caleb Williams was locked in and in total command.Ben Johnson’s Pre-Game ImpressionJohnson explained after the game that during their final quarterback meeting on Saturday night at the team hotel, Williams was sharply rattling off his pre-snap reads, where his eyes needed to go, and his thought processes across every look. Sensing Williams was fully on top of the game plan, Johnson noted he was able to sleep easily knowing his quarterback was poised for a big performance.Historic 59-Point Offensive OutburstThat preparation translated onto the field in Charlotte as the Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59–37:

• Highest-Scoring Opener in NFL History: The combined 96 points broke the previous record for the highest-scoring Week 1 game in league history (surpassing the 88 points scored by Tampa Bay and New Orleans in 2018).
• Franchise Records: The 59 points set a Bears franchise record for the most points ever scored in a season opener (breaking a mark from 1948) and marked the fourth-highest single-game point total in franchise history. It also set a franchise high for the most points ever conceded by the Panthers.
• Offensive Dominance: Chicago generated 552 total yards of offense, converting 10 of 14 third downs and scoring touchdowns on seven of their final 12 drives.

Key Player Performances

• Caleb Williams: Put together an MVP-caliber performance, generating 334 total yards and 4 touchdowns. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions (a 124.1 passer rating), while adding 65 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 10 carries.
• D’Andre Swift: Rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries and scored 3 rushing touchdowns.
• Kyle Monangai: Contributed 100 rushing yards, highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown run in the second half.

After the game was tied 31–31 in the third quarter, Williams and the Chicago offense pulled away by scoring touchdowns on three consecutive possessions to secure the runaway victory.