When you hang 59 points on an NFL opponent, the “running up the score” chatter is inevitable. But Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson isn't backing down. After his squad dismantled the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, Johnson faced the media Monday with a clear message: that explosion wasn't about disrespect—it was about necessity.
Johnson argued that Carolina's offense posed a real threat, especially in crunch time. The Panthers showed a knack for fourth-quarter comebacks in 2025, and Johnson wasn't about to give them a window. “I think we needed it,” Johnson said, via ProFootballTalk. “The game was still back and forth at that point. Anytime you're still within a couple of scores there in the fourth quarter, the game is still on, and so we needed that.”
He elaborated on the final drive, where the Bears kept their foot on the pedal. “I forget what time it was that we took the field for that last drive, and it was, ‘Guys, we want to finish the game with the ball,’ and then ended up getting one to pop through, and ‘Swifty’ [D'Andre Swift] ended up scoring there at the end.”
Johnson also credited the Panthers for forcing his hand. “I thought they did a really good job in the fourth quarter, pressing on the gas. And it's a credit to Carolina more than anything. We went into the game with a lot of respect for how well they could play in the fourth quarter. They had a number of games a year ago where the quarterback and the offense found a way to come back and win from behind, that was just something that was on our mind going into the game. We knew we couldn't let off the gas.”
Fans, for the most part, weren't upset with the Bears' approach—they were just terrified of what this offense could do. Chicago racked up a staggering 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground alone. Quarterback Caleb Williams chipped in 65 rushing yards and a score, while also throwing for 269 yards and two more touchdowns through the air.
The Panthers, who kept things tight through three quarters before the dam broke in the fourth, actually had a solid offensive showing themselves. They piled up 478 total yards, with Bryce Young throwing for 361 yards and three touchdowns. There's plenty to like about both offenses this early in the season.
But the Bears sent a clear message: they might be the most dangerous offense in the league. If Johnson's game plan is any indication, they're not letting up anytime soon—and that's exactly how he wants it.
For more on the NFL's offensive fireworks, check out reactions to the Titans' ring of honor controversy. And if you're wondering about broadcasting blunders, Gus Johnson's missed calls have fans talking.
