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5 Takeaways from Panthers' 23-13 Preseason Victory over Bears

Brian Burns was the most impressive player against Chicago -- and he only played 10 snaps.

The Carolina Panthers left their first preseason game with a 23-13 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Carolina decided to sit Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Christian McCaffrey and a majority of the starters in this game. Therefore, it was derived around position battles and prove-it chances for the young guys that hope to make the 53-man roster.

Here are five takeaways from the game.

Kyle Allen, Will Grier create no separation in backup QB battle

Head coach Ron Rivera decided to sit Newton a couple days before the game, and put Kyle Allen at the top of the depth chart. Allen had the chance to take reps with the first-team players (the ones that did play), and he did decent.

Allen was in the game for three series and he had seven completions for 76 yards. He ultimately led the team down the field for two field goals -- but he missed Aldrick Robinson on three different occasions. Allen had a decent night, but he didn't separate himself from Will Grier.

Grier was drafted as the Panthers' third-round pick and he will likely get the spot as the backup quarterback. He had the chance to prove himself against Chicago, and he didn't show up the way that he probably hoped for. He played for five series and ended with nine completions, 77 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Although there's still time -- the Panthers haven't found their clear-cut second-string quarterback.

Brian Burns is going to be incredible

There isn't much that the No. 16 overall draft pick can't do as a pass-rusher. Brian Burns is as quick as a defender can get off the edge and he has shown this capability in practice.

He put this on full display after recording two sacks in the game, and he did it in 10 snaps. That is not a typo -- Burns has played 10 NFL snaps and already has two sacks.

This kid is going to be special.

Terry Godwin could be the answer for a punt returner

The seventh-round rookie wide receiver out of Georgia could prove to be very valuable for the Panthers. Carolina has been looking for a reliable returner, and Godwin could be the guy.

He has the speed and vision to secure the position, and he proved that against Chicago while returning a punt for 57 yards.

Godwin also returned another punt for 22 yards later in the game.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Elijah Holyfield led RB battle

Cameron Artis-Payne was listed on the Panthers' unofficial depth chart as the second-string running back, and he made some noise against Chicago. Artis-Payne has been with Carolina for four seasons and hasn't really produced significant numbers.

Artis-Payne's best season was his rookie year when he recorded 45 rushes, 183 yards and a touchdown. Against Chicago, he recorded five rushes for eight yards -- but also tacked on two catches for 30 yards. Elijah Holyfield is an undrafted running back that has been fighting for a roster spot.

He led the team in carries (9), rushing yards (26) and touchdowns (2). His explosiveness down the middle would be a great compliment to Christian McCaffrey.

Rashaan Gualden had a remarkable forced fumble

Rashaan Gualden didn't play the game of his life, but he played a solid game -- and his forced fumble was incredible. 

It doesn't get more textbook than this.

Gualden's stock continues to rise in this defense and he will be an instrumental part of the defense's success. He finished the game against Chicago with four tackles, one pass deflected, one quarterback hit and a forced fumble.