The Panthers fell to 3-3 with a 23-16 loss to the Bears, bringing an end to their three-game win streak despite a valiant comeback effort.
Here are our winners and losers from today’s game.
Winner: DB/LB Jeremy Chinn
The Panthers’ second-round draft pick is making a case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Along with two pass deflections, Chinn added a clutch red zone interception just one play after Mike Davis fumbled the ball. The pick off Nick Foles set up a long 55-yard scoring drive for Carolina. Chinn also recorded five tackles.
Loser: LB Tahir Whitehead
It’s near impossible to fill the shoes of Luke Kuechly, but to say Tahir Whitehead has disappointed would be an understatement. As has been the case all season, Whitehead had multiple missed tackles. The Panthers need Whitehead to improve in coverage or find someone who can.
Winner: Panthers run defense
Carolina did an impressive job containing David Montgomery, limiting the Chicago running backs to just 2.5 yards per carry. After the loss of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short, the pressure was on this young Panthers defense to step up and stop the run, and plays like this Derrick Brown tackle for loss helped them deliver.
Loser: Penalty problems
Penalties continue to be a problem for this young team. The Panthers fought for every yard they got in today’s game, but they gave away 69 on penalties. That’s a recipe for disaster against a stout defense like Chicago’s.
Winner: DE Brian Burns
Burns has quietly been one of the league’s best players at pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The second-year defensive end managed to hit Nick Foles three times and record three more tackles. After a concussion scare last week, it was reassuring to see Burns return to form this week.
Loser: OT Russell Okung
Starting left tackle Russell Okung racked up two false starts and gave up several pressures on Teddy Bridgewater. The offensive line struggled as a whole, giving up six QB hits and four sacks, plus six more tackles for a loss.
Winner: Panthers wide receivers
It was a tale of two halves for the Panthers receivers. A shaky first half by Robby Anderson was obscured by the emergence of D.J. Moore. Then, a shaky second half by Moore was covered for by Anderson. While they did drop a few passes, these two receivers combined for 216 yards, so this loss doesn’t fall on them.
Loser: Third-down offense
It’s fair to say that the Panthers missed Curtis Samuel in this one. The loss of one of the league’s best third-down receivers led to a dreadful performance by the offense in that position, converting just 3-13 opportunities. The Panthers will look to regroup ahead of next week’s matchup against a high-powered New Orleans team.
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