Who needs a defense when the offense can score 50-plus?

The Bears set a franchise record for points in a season opener with 59 (45 vs. Packers, 1948) on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Quarterback Caleb Williams finished 21-for-29 passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also picked up 65 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

In total, the Bears’ offense scored eight touchdowns. Six came via the rushing attack.

Running back D’Andre Swift — in his first game since signing a three-year contract extension — picked up 124 yards on 18 carries, reaching the end zone for a single-game career-high three touchdowns. Kyle Monangai had 100 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, including a 61-yard touchdown — the Bears’ longest rushing score since Justin Fields’ 67-yard run against the Detroit Lions (Nov. 13, 2022).

Receiver Kalif Raymond led all Bears receivers with eight receptions for 84 yards. Tight end Cole Kmet and receiver Jahdae Walker both hauled in touchdowns from Williams. Tight end Colston Loveland was targeted twice but did not have a reception.

The CHGO staff weighs in on the Bears’ win …

Adam Hoge: It was pretty surreal to see the Chicago Bears score 59 points in a football game. And something tells me Ben Johnson isn’t even satisfied with this win. The defense obviously has a long way to go. There were special teams mistakes and way too many penalties (12). But Caleb Williams’ development remains the most important action item, and he looked great, accounting for four touchdowns. Start the MVP conversation.

Adam Jahns: Covering the Bears in 2026 might require a thorough recalibration. We already knew these weren’t your grandpa’s Bears. But a team record 59 points in Week 1? I guess Ben Johnson wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to field the highest-scoring team ever. The offense might need to do that with all the injuries and personnel shortcomings on defense. But Johnson’s offense is loaded for any shootout. We all saw that on Sunday. Tight end Colston Loveland didn’t have a catch and the Bears still did what they did against the Panthers.

Patrick Norton: That was something else. The Bears’ highest point total in Ben Johnson’s first season? Forty-seven in Cincinnati. Sunday’s performance blew that one out of the water. The defense’s struggles made things tight in the first half. Johnson’s first-half play calling with a 14-point lead didn’t help. But the Bears never took their foot off the gas pedal. Impressive start to not only live up to the offensive expectations but exceed them, too.

Mark Carman: These are the Bears you were looking for. At least offensively. What a day for the running game. Swifttttt and Monangaaai both popped. Caleb Williams had rushing touchdowns of nine and 29 yards. The defense did not get to the quarterback but Malik Muhammad II and Dillion Thieneman stood out in their respective first games. Fly the hype flag. Super Bowl or bust.

Greg Braggs Jr: Holy offense, Batman! This offense isn’t just ELITE! What is the next word beyond elite? I don’t like but that’s what they are. “But what about the defense, Braggs?!” Shutup! Don’t worry about the defense! Focus! It will be tough for every team in the NFL to stop the endless supply of talent that the Bears offense supplies week to week. And I trust the coaching staff will patch up the defense to a level that is passable by year’s end. For now…OFFENSE!!

Joey Christopoulos: Ever have the feeling you just watched a whole season’s worth of offensive highlights, but it was only a 60-minute game? Ben Johnson, already in midseason form, just unleashed 500+ total yards on Carolina. Caleb looks like a MONSTER. We can complain about defense all season, but for now, this is what dreams are made of, Bears fans.