The Chicago Bears’ Week 1 grade says everything about their statement victory

Monday is here, and Week 1 of the NFL season will conclude tonight. Many fanbases are either very happy or very disappointed this morning, as the overreactions will soon begin.

For Chicago Bears fans, that means they’re celebrating a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Ben Johnson’s squad traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, yesterday and nearly put up 60 points, shattering expectations, even if they were high.

This offense looks to be high powered and efficient, even against what many thought was a solid Panther defense. Running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 224 yards and four touchdowns, leading the way on offense.

QB Caleb Williams looked solid as well, completing 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards, all while throwing two touchdowns. He also ran it in twice.

Defensively, things could’ve clearly been better. The Bears allowed 478 yards and at times looked poor in pass defense. Bryce Young had one of the best statistical games of his young career, potentially showing glimpses of a leap in season four.

Even after a statement victory like this, how would you grade this Chicago Bears team overall in Week 1?

This morning, John Breech of NFL.com released his team grades for the first slate of games in the 2026-27 season. He was generous with the Bears, giving them an A-, stating that this offense may truly be record-breaking.

“Before the season started, Ben Johnson said he wanted to break the NFL record for most points per game this year (37.9), and if Sunday’s performance was any indication, the Bears might actually be able to do it. Caleb Williams ran Johnson’s offense to perfection.”

Breech also praised Williams, and the RB duo of Swift and Monangai.

He later mentioned that this defense will still be a concern, but not a massive one if the offense is this good all year.

“The Bears rushing attack steamrolled the Panthers for 291 yards with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai both topping 100 yards. The Bears defense definitely has holes, but when your offense plays this well, it gives you time to figure things out.”

For anyone who watched the entire game, you know it wasn’t pretty the whole way, especially defensively. The Panthers have struggled on offense for the last few years, and yesterday, they looked just as competent as anyone.

That’s not to say Young and company haven’t improved, they likely have. However, still a worthy note as we dive into everything this morning.

The Chicago Bears offense looked great in Week 1 – but is this performance sustainable all season?

It’s unlikely that the Bears continue dropping 50+ points on opponents, especially on the road. That’s not realistic.

With that being said, they could still break records, like head coach Ben Johnson wants them to. They’re surley off to a great start in that department.

Not only did the playmakers show out, but the offensive line did as well. They created holes, protected Williams, and allowed these running backs to do their job. Just check out the footage on Monangai’s 61-yard house call.

Absolute art from the Bears.

I slowed down the end zone angle so you can see the blocks from Cole Kmet, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond. O-line creates a wall, and Kyle Monangai shows off the contact balance and speed.

61 yards to the house. pic.twitter.com/ASrfZgEixb

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) September 14, 2026

Special teams wise, it could’ve been better. Kicker Cairo Santos failed to reach the zone twice yesterday, resulting in the Panthers starting with great field position. Something to keep an eye on going forward.

In general, things will need to be tightened up next week. The Bears face off against their first divisional opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, who are coming off a comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers in their Week 1 affair.

Luckily, the Bears will be back in Chicago for their home opener, but the defense will absolutely need to work this week. Justin Jefferson went to the endzone twice yesterday, and could certainly do it again next week.

More: Could the Chicago Bears have a kicker problem in Cairo Santos?

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bears-week-1-grade-ben-johnson/