Bears score 59, win epic shootout vs. Panthers

Playing defense appeared optional at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday as the Chicago Bears beat the Carolina Panthers 59-37 in a historic shootout.

The Bears and Panthers combined for the most points in Week 1 history (96), surpassing the previous high set in a 48-40 victory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the New Orleans Saints in 2018. Chicago and Carolina also totaled 1,030 yards and 50 first downs.

The Bears' 59 points are the most they've produced since 1980 and are only 14 shy of their franchise record. They're also the second-most points by a team in Week 1 in NFL history, behind the 1973 Atlanta Falcons (62).

Bears running back D'Andre Swift was responsible for three touchdowns, including the final one of the afternoon. Swift rushed for 124 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per carry. Overall, Chicago logged 291 yards on the ground, as Kyle Monangai also reached 100 and quarterback Caleb Williams put up 65.

Williams scored four touchdowns - two in the air and two with his legs. His 29-yard rushing score in the second quarter gave Chicago a 31-24 lead going into halftime. The Panthers couldn't keep up from there and were eventually outscored 28-13 in the second half.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson said during the offseason that he wanted to have the highest-scoring offense in NFL history this year. That record is held by the 2013 Denver Broncos, who averaged 37.9 points per game and tallied 49 points in Week 1 that season.