LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears (2-2) will play host to the Panthers (1-3) on Sunday at Soldier Field as they seek consecutive wins for the first time this season. Kickoff is set for noon CT.
A game that was initially billed as a matchup between the last two No. 1 overall picks has taken a different tone with Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young's recent benching. Here are three storylines to follow in the game.
Hope vs. uncertainty
When the Bears and Panthers reached an agreement on their blockbuster trade involving the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it seemed that it would be a franchise-altering deal for both sides, given the significant assets involved.
As the Bears welcome the Panthers to Soldier Field, the stark difference in direction for each organization will be on display. Chicago has reaped the rewards of its significant swing, while Carolina may have set itself back for many years to come.
The Panthers used the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 to select Young, who struggled as a rookie. He threw for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 16 starts in his first season while Carolina bottomed out in a 2-15 campaign.
Just two games into Young’s second season, he was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Young will be watching from the sideline Sunday as the 36-year-old Dalton leads the Panthers.
On the other side, the Bears have converted their haul from the Panthers into quality talent. Chicago received two first-round picks, a pair of second-round selections and top receiver DJ Moore in the trade. They've since used the draft capital they received in the deal to bring in quarterback Caleb Williams, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and punter Tory Taylor, and the Panthers still owe the Bears a 2025 second-round pick.
The 22-year-old Williams is, of course, the greatest prize in the trade and the culmination of a dream scenario for the Bears in which they landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His future appears to be incredibly bright.
Had the Panthers hit on the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 – Texans star quarterback C.J. Stroud went No. 2 to Houston – Sunday would feature an intriguing matchup of top picks playing for organizations with an upward trajectory.
But given how the Panthers’ fortunes have fallen since the trade, it seems only the Bears have benefitted.
Will Swift keep running?
In the Bears' first three games, running back D’Andre Swift carried 37 times for just 68 yards.
Swift broke through in the Bears' win against the Rams on Sunday, carrying 16 times for 93 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown run. He also hauled in seven receptions for 72 yards as a key option out of the backfield for Williams in the passing game.
Suddenly, Swift reminded everyone of his importance in the Bears’ offensive game plan. They're now looking for him to build off that effort this Sunday.
Swift’s rushing threat gave the Bears offense better balance, as offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has desired for his unit. Williams had an efficient performance in going 17-of-23 for 157 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers are dead last in the NFL in scoring defense, 28th in total defense and 29th in defending the run. Sunday should be an opportunity for Swift and the Bears to keep their balanced attack going.
Take it away
The Bears believe they have a top-five defense in the NFL, and they're out to prove it.
In a 2-2 start, the Bears rank eighth in the NFL in scoring defense and 10th in total defense. There's still work to be done, no doubt, but they also rank third in a key category: takeaways.
The Bears have forced eight turnovers in their first four games, including at least one in each contest. Chicago’s defense has now recorded at least one takeaway in 10 of its last 11 games.
Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson has followed up on his breakthrough 2023 campaign with a pair of interceptions. Safety Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson each have picks as well. Chicago’s defense has forced and recovered three fumbles, including standout pass rusher Montez Sweat's strip-sack in the win last Sunday.
For the Bears to prove themselves as one of the NFL’s premier defenses, takeaways will be the most important component.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.