The Carolina Panthers' Ugly Season Continues

CHICAGO, IL - The miserable season continues for the Carolina Panthers as they drop to 1-8 on the year following Thursday night's 16-13 loss to the Chicago Bears.

The Panthers' special teams came to play and had a major impact in the opening minutes of the game. Punter Johnny Hekker pinned the Bears at their own one-yard line which completely flipped the field. Carolina didn't need the good field position, however, thanks to a 79-yard punt return Ihmir Smith-Marsette to get the Panthers on the board.

Chicago's Cairo Santos kicked three field goals to help chip away at the deficit before former Panther running back D'Onta Foreman muscled his way into the end zone to put the Bears on top 16-10 with 6:38 remaining in the third quarter.

Eddy Piniero tacked three on the board for Carolina early in the fourth, allowing the Panthers to hang around. Bryce Young had a chance to tie the game or take the lead late and put together a strong drive until things stalled out in plus territory. Young used his legs on 4th and inches to move the chains, then hit Adam Thielen for a third down conversion a few minutes later, and also hit Miles Sanders on a 4th & 2. Young was tricked by linebacker Jack Sanborn dropping into coverage and was nearly picked off. Instead of going for it on 4th & 10, Frank Reich elected to attempt a 59-yard field goal with Pineiro. Unfortunately for Carolina, the kick fell short and that put the game on ice.

Highlight of the Night:

Ihmir Smith-Marsette takes one back against his former team 🏠📞#CARvsCHI on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4MTENIL0r6
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2023

The Panthers will return to action next Sunday, November 19th to play host to the Dallas Cowboys at 1 p.m. EST.

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