Instant Reactions: Caleb Williams, Bears avoid trap, throttle Panthers

Well, that was fun.

Coming off of a win against the Rams a week ago, Week 5 was more about not falling into a trap against the Panthers and maybe mixing in some explosivity on the offense. Mission accomplished.

DJ Moore caught two touchdown passes from Caleb Williams, including a 31-yard reception in the final minute of the first half. The connection between WR1 and QB1 appears to be fine.

D’Andre Swift made things happen out of the backfield again, posting 120 all-purpose yards. Swift’s 42-yard catch-and-run set up his one-yard rushing score.

The defense made life difficult for Andy Dalton and the Panthers’ offense all day, forcing two fumbles and intercepting the former Bears quarterback once.

It’s as good of a performance as you could hope for before the Bears head to London. An absolute throttling of the Carolina Panthers heading into an important stretch for the Bears’ playoff hopes.

Bears 36, Panthers 10.

Nicholas Moreano

The Chicago Bears dominated the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Soldier Field. Caleb Williams and the offense completed their best performance of the season and did so by creating explosive plays. DJ Moore had his first 100-yard receiving game, and Williams found him twice in the end zone. The Panthers were a defense that had plenty of vulnerabilities, and the Bears finally put together a complete game to capitalize on Carolina’s weaknesses. The Bears will head to London riding a two-game win streak.

Adam Hoge

On a perfectly sunny fall day in Chicago, Caleb Williams and the Bears gave their fans A LOT to celebrate in a 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Williams went over 300 yards passing for the second time this season and Shane Waldron’s offense continued its steady upward trend. In this league, there’s something to be said for taking care of business, and the Bears did exactly that — in impressive fashion.

Mark Carman

Everything you wanted on a Bears Sunday. Caleb is getting more and more comfortable. The progress is obvious to see. The run game has found its footing. D’Andre Swift looks comfortable in his new home. After getting gutted for a touchdown drive to start the game the defense didn’t allow another one. Jaquan Brisker forced a fumble and Gervon Dexter Sr. lived in the backfield. Who are these guys?! The Bears buzz is real.

Greg Braggs Jr.

Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?!

I keep comparing and contrasting last year to this year today. Last year at this time the Bears were 0-4 going into Week 5. Last year the Bears blew a 28-7 lead. Last year the quarterback was fighting for his future with the Bears and had a huge game in Week 5 vs the Commanders.

This year the Bears move to 3-2. This year the Bears don’t blow the 27-7 lead in a trap game. This year the rookie quarterback has his first of hopefully many breakout games. And the future looks bright.

The Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears made a trade that sent the Panthers the #1 pick and eventually Bryce Young. The Bears got DJ Moore, Caleb Williams and the haul. That trade still has effects going forward but it’s clear that trade has both franchises heading in two different directions.

The Panthers aren’t a great team but the Bears didn’t let this trap game become a trap game before heading to London. A lot to like from the Bears who took another step in the right direction.  This defense can be awfully tough when the offense has a sizeable lead. And man oh man, does the future look bright for Caleb Williams.

How about a 3 game winning streak heading into the bye? It would be the first in the Matt Eberflus Era. Bring on the Jags! See you in London!

Kevin Kaduk

Let’s not think about this one too hard. The Bears needed to come out and look dominant against one of the worst teams in the league and an injured one at that. They did that in the first half and while there are still plenty of mistakes they need to clean up, that can come in another week. For now, enjoy a confidence-building win that didn’t come with much stress – a rarity for the Bears in the past 10-plus years.

Patrick Norton

I said 38-9. Sue me. That was as complete of a win for the Bears as we’ve seen this season. It should’ve looked like this against an inferior opponent. Chicago took care of business on every phase, and now it’s off to London. Can they keep it up against an inferior Jaguars team? Worry about that later and soak in this utterly dominating win. DJ Moore said it on Wednesday: 3-2 is better than 2-3.

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