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).
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