Bryce Young delivered one of his best games, but Carolina’s defense collapsed as Chicago piled up 552 yards and 59 points in a brutal Week 1 loss.

The Carolina Panthers got the version of Bryce Young they’ve been waiting for Sunday.

Unfortunately, they also got one of the worst defensive performances in franchise history.

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Carolina opened the 2026 season with a wild 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears, surrendering the most points the Panthers have ever allowed in a game while wasting an encouraging afternoon from Young.

Young completed enough big throws to keep Carolina alive for more than three quarters, finishing with 361 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding another score on the ground. His 110.3 passer rating reflected how productive the afternoon was individually.

It still wasn’t remotely enough.

Chicago shredded Carolina for 552 total yards, including a staggering 291 rushing yards, and converted 10 of 14 third downs.

Caleb Williams accounted for four touchdowns, throwing for 269 yards and two scores while adding 65 yards and two touchdowns with his legs. D’Andre Swift punished Carolina for 124 rushing yards and three scores on just 18 carries.

Kyle Monangai added another 100 yards, highlighted by a 61-yard touchdown run that turned a competitive game into a looming rout.

Carolina had fought back from an early 21-7 deficit and eventually tied the game at 31 on Chuba Hubbard’s third-quarter touchdown.

Then everything unraveled.

A costly penalty helped extend Chicago’s ensuing touchdown drive. The Panthers followed with a failed fourth-down attempt near midfield, and Monangai exploded for his 61-yard score on the very next play.

Carolina’s three turnovers only made things worse.

Rookie Tetairoa McMillan lost a fumble, Jimmy Horn muffed a punt and Young threw an interception. Against an offense operating as efficiently as Chicago’s, those extra opportunities were fatal.

There were legitimate positives.

Jalen Coker caught eight passes for a career-high 138 yards and two touchdowns, giving Young a dangerous downfield target. Carolina scored 37 points after entering recent seasons desperate for this kind of offensive production.

But 37 points should win plenty of NFL games.

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It won’t win many when the defense gives up 59.

Carolina can leave Week 1 encouraged by Young and alarmed by almost everything that happened when Chicago had the football.

If that defense doesn’t improve quickly, Young could have plenty more impressive stat lines attached to losing scores.