With the Chicago Bears' matchup against the Carolina Panthers just a day away, there is plenty of anticipation to see what head coach Ben Johnson's team can accomplish after coming off an NFC North title last season. 

As Johnson has stated consistently since the team's loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, last year's success is behind the organization. The focus is on the this season, starting with the Panthers and finding a way to come away with a victory in Week 1. 

The Bears want to set the tone and get out to a quick start the season. This is the last time referencing the 2025 season, but the Bears started 0-2 after back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. 

Here's what the Bears need to prove against the Panthers to ensure the team starts this year on the right track. 

This is the biggest question about this 2026 Bears team. Can the unit that struggled to consistently create pressure on opposing quarterbacks find a way to do so this season? 

Chicago's defensive front will get an opportunity to flip the narrative against Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Sunday. The Bears added several new players on the interior of the defensive line, but outside of Marcus Davenport being added to the practice squad, the edges remain the same. 

The Panthers gave up 35 sacks last season, tied for 25th in the NFL. Starting offensive tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are both out with injuries, forcing Rasheed Walker (LT) and rookie Monroe Freeling (RT) to start the season for Carolina. 

With injuries to Carolina's offensive line, the Bears can start the season off hot by creating pressure off the edges. 

Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are the Bears' primary wide receivers now. They need to become consistent targets for quarterback Caleb Williams.

Odunze is dealing with a calf injury, but he told reporters on Friday after practice that he plans "on playing." If that holds true, that gives the Bears one of its top playmakers against a Panthers secondary that is headlined by cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. 

Odunze (24) and Burden (22) will each get their opportunities against the Panthers' corners, and the Bears' young receivers need to show not only can they create space but catch the football. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Burden finished with six drops and Odunze had five through the Divisional Round last season. Consistency will be key for the Bears' wide receivers. 

It's Week 1 of the NFL season, so expect some sloppy football. In the Seahawks' Week 1 win against the Patriots, Seattle committed 10 penalties for 98 yards, while the Patriots committed seven penalties for 50 yards. 

Although New England won the penalty battle, Seattle protected the football while forcing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to throw three interceptions. 

If the Bears want to come away with a Week 1 win, they need to avoid the self-inflicted mistakes. In Chicago's 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, Williams three three interceptions, and the team committed a game-high three penalties for 24 yards. 

Failing to execute in any of these three areas will increase the difficulty for Johnson's team on Sunday. With high expectations surrounding Chicago this season, a Week 1 victory is necessary to keep their championship aspirations on track.