In a Week 5 NFL matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, Bryce Young watched from the sidelines as Caleb Williams, the quarterback who will forever be linked to him in NFL lore, led the Bears’ offense. Young, who has been benched for three consecutive weeks, paced the sidelines wearing a headset, taking mental reps during the game.
While the Panthers struggled to climb out of a deep deficit, Young remained supportive of his teammates, although it was clear this was not the role the Panthers envisioned for him when they drafted him first overall in 2023.
The Panthers made a bold trade in 2023, giving up multiple draft picks and star receiver DJ Moore to move up from the ninth to the first overall pick, where they selected Bryce Young. The expectation was that Young would be a franchise quarterback, but his rookie season ended with just 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions and a league-high 62 sacks. This poor performance helped Chicago secure the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, which they used to select Williams, whose play thus far has been far superior to Young’s.
Sunday’s game highlighted the widening gap between the two franchises, with the Bears outperforming the Panthers thanks to key contributions from Williams and former Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore. The Bears’ ability to capitalize on Carolina’s poor decision-making has led to a quicker rebuild for Chicago, while Carolina continues to struggle with the fallout of the trade for Young.
In the game, DJ Moore, who was traded to Chicago as part of the deal for Young, played a significant role in the Bears’ victory. Williams connected with Moore for a 34-yard touchdown in the first quarter, exploiting a lapse in Carolina’s defense. Moore, who was a key player for the Panthers before the trade, proved once again why he remains an important offensive weapon for the Bears, racking up over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the day.
As the game progressed, Williams continued to excel, building on a solid connection with Moore. Late in the first half, Williams threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Moore despite tight coverage from the Panthers’ defense. This play, which they had practiced and anticipated, further underscored the growing chemistry between Williams and his receiving corps, highlighting the Bears’ improved offensive strategy.
While the Bears’ offense thrived, the Panthers continued to struggle. Carolina converted only four out of 15 third and fourth-down attempts and failed to score in the red zone. The absence of DJ Moore, who had been a reliable target during his time in Carolina, was felt deeply, and the Panthers’ offense couldn’t overcome their issues, including offensive line injuries.
Young entered the game late in the fourth quarter when the Panthers were down 26 points. Though he completed a few passes, it was clear his role in the game was limited, and the Panthers’ overall performance remained disappointing. Head coach Dave Canales praised Young’s energy and ability to extend plays during his limited time on the field, but the team’s struggles overshadowed any individual effort.
Williams, on the other hand, continued to show significant progress in his fifth NFL start, posting his second-highest yardage total and his best passer rating yet. With a solid defense, an effective running game, and a deep receiving corps, the Bears have put Williams in a much better position to succeed than the Panthers did with Young. As the Bears head to England for their next game, they hope to build on this momentum and continue their winning ways.
