'Out of sync' offense falters in loss to Bears

[Sir Purr]

Carolina knew the challenges of facing Chicago's defense. The Bears entered the week ranked No. 4 in total defense and No. 9 in points allowed. They were second in third down defense and opponent passer rating and first in opponent red zone scoring and opponent completion percentage. Plus, the club has a terrific pass rush led by outside linebacker Khalil Mack.


So the Panthers had to be sharp offensively to have a good shot at winning. But from the first drive, that just wasn't the case.


"There were times we were running routes, and guys were not where they were supposed to be, running the wrong route," Rhule said. "I just thought it was a global issue today offensively."


But it wasn't just receivers making uncharacteristic mistakes. Veteran left tackle Russell Okung was flagged for a pair of false starts.


"I can't do that. I'm 11 years in," Okung said. "That's not leading by example. I'm going to need to really work on that, make sure that I'm hearing things the right way, understanding them, and then focusing and being attentive from play to play."


The final stats illustrate the Panthers' struggles. Entering the game averaging 6.2 yards per play, Carolina finished at just 4.9 on Sunday. Chicago held running back Davis to only 52 yards on 18 carries, an average of 2.9 yards. Bridgewater finished 16-of-29 passing for 216 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, his 50.4 passer rating the worst of the year.


"This game will humble you, and I'm pretty sure it humbled a lot of people today," Bridgewater said.