NFL Week 5 updates: Highlights, schedule, inactives, predictions, odds and analysis
By Kevin Fishbain, Adam Jahns, Joe Person and RJ Kraft
Caleb Williams’ strongest game in his rookie season — along with two touchdown passes to former Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore — led the way for the Chicago Bears in their 36-10 win over Carolina on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Everything seemed to click for the Bears. In addition to Williams’ strong game, the running game produced 129 yards and three touchdowns — two for Roschon Johnson and one for D’Andre Swift. Chicago (3-2) heads to London for a Week 6 date with the Jacksonville Jaguars on the heels of a two-game winning streak.
The Panthers struck early with a 38-yard touchdown run by running back Chuba Hubbard to take a 7-0 lead before giving up 30 unanswered points. Starting linebacker Jadeveon Clowney suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter and did not return, further decimating a Carolina defensive unit that has suffered multiple injuries (Derrick Brown, Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell) early in the year.
Late in the game, backup quarterback Bryce Young came on in place of Andy Dalton for his first on-field action since being benched following Week 2. Carolina (1-4) hosts the Atlanta Falcons, a NFL South division foe, in Week 6.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
Caleb cooks against Carolina
The Bears looked like a good team; the Panthers a bad team. That starts with the quarterback play. Williams continued to show signs of improvement. He was 20-for-29 passing for 304 yards and two touchdowns. All of his success and production came against one of the worst defenses in the league. But Williams also thoroughly outplayed Panthers veteran starter Dalton. The Bears surpassed 400 yards of total offense for the first time this season. Williams looked like the future for the Bears, while the Panthers are looking for answers at the most important position in sports after benching Young earlier this season. — Adam Jahns, Bears beat writer
Young reappears
On a day for No. 1 draft picks, Young played for the first time since Week 2. Trailing by 26 with a little more than four minutes left, Dave Canales put in Young for Dalton. It was a smart move by Canales to try to build some confidence for Young, whose drive started with a nice rollout and touch pass to running back Miles Sanders for 27 yards. Young also hit undrafted rookie Jalen Coker for a couple of completions to move the chains. The drive stalled at the Bears’ 10 when Young — who was sacked 62 times as a rookie — was sacked on fourth-and-2. — Joe Person, Panthers beat writer
Bears’ D dominates Dalton
When the Bears’ defense gave up a 38-yard touchdown run to Hubbard on the second drive, it seemed like it might be a closer game than the final result. Williams stole the show, but the defense dominated Dalton. The Bears compiled 10 QB hits and three sacks on Dalton before he exited late in the game for Young. Gervon Dexter Sr. specifically had a very good game with four QB hits, a sack and a fumble recovery. Dalton averaged 4.9 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of 61.0. Matt Eberflus’ group took the ball away three times — two fumble recoveries and an interception. Some garbage-time stats might make the performance look better for Carolina, but it could not throw the ball against this defense, which continues to be one of the best in the league. — Kevin Fishbain, Bears beat writer
.@JaquanBrisker knocks it loose and #DaBears take it away!
📺: #CARvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/nHG3SzrjTG— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
2023 trade continues to haunt Panthers
As if the Panthers’ brass needed any reminders how poorly its trade up for the No. 1 pick in 2023 has turned out, the Panthers received several Sunday. With Young — whom the Panthers took with that first pick — looking on from the sideline until the Panthers’ final possession, Williams and Moore teamed up for a huge day. Moore, who was part of the package Carolina sent to Chicago, caught five passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Williams, taken No. 1 in April with one of the picks acquired from the Panthers, hurt Carolina’s decimated defense with his arm and his feet. — Person
Caleb Williams drops a dime to DJ Moore for their 2nd TD connection of the day!
📺: #CARvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/qs0eDxrFrf— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Required reading
- Where Panthers, Bears stand 18 months after franchise-altering trade for both teams
- Why NFL’s Guardian Caps are getting a thumbs down from so many players
- Which 2024 NFL Draft picks have excelled so far? Our early All-Rookie Team
(Photo: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
