The Chicago Bears defense made a statement on the opening series of the game against the Carolina Panthers.
Following a special teams penalty, the Panthers offense started on their own 10-yard line, and the Bears defense brought the pressure on Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Bears defensive tackle Bilal Nichols sacked Bridgewater on the 1-yard line — nearly getting a safety. But it was a good thing Nichols kept Bridgewater out of his own end zone.
On the next play — third-and-19 — Bridgewater was intercepted by safety Tashaun Gipson, who made his second pick of the season. Rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson tipped Bridgewater’s pass, and Gipson made the play.
That's TEAMWORK!!
📺: FOX#CHIvsCAR | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/jtjZ9f6f8T
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2020
The turnover set up the Bears on Carolina’s 7-yard line, where Chicago’s offense converted on third-and-goal — a Nick Foles to Cole Kmet touchdown, the rookie tight end’s first career touchdown.
The Bears lead 7-0 in the first quarter.