Nicholas Moreano identifies five Chicago Bears players whose stock went up or down in the Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Chicago Bears got off to a nightmare start against the Carolina Panthers in Sunday's Week 1 matchup at Bank of America Stadium.
On the first play of the game, wide receiver Rome Odunze was called for a holding penalty after a D'Andre Swift 17-yard run. Two plays later, wide receiver Luther Burden III fumbled, giving the Panthers advantageous field position.
Chicago's defense committed two penalties on the the drive, and Carolina capitalized on Chicago's mistake, scoring a touchdown to go up early.
The Bears settled in after those early mistakes, scoring three-straight touchdowns in route to a 59-37 Week 1 victory over the Panthers.
Here are the five players who raised and lowered their stock in the Week 1 shootout.
Stock Up: Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears' quarterback played with confidence and poise in his first game of the 2026 season. Williams hunted explosive plays while taking what the defense gave him with checkdowns.
Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. His 22-yard touchdown pass to veteran tight end Cole Kmet was placed between two defenders.
The third-year quarterback also hurt Carolina's defense with his legs, rushing for 65 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 10 carries. His 29-yard touchdown at the end of the first half was of two runs where he reached over 20+ MPH, according to NextGenStats.
Stock Up: D'Andre Swift
Just one day after signing a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension, running back D'Andre Swift put on a show against the Panthers.
The veteran running back finished with 18 carries for 124 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Swift trusted his blocks and showed off his explosive speed in the open field. His 32-yard run on the Bears' first touchdown drive was his longest since the 2024 season.
Swift scored two of his touchdowns in the second half, including a 28-yard touchdown int he fourth quarter to give the Bears a 59-37 lead. Swift is primed to have a career year this season.
Stock Down: Jaylon Johnson
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said he's seen a fire lit under the veteran cornerback. That Jaylon Johnson didn't show up on Sunday against the Panthers.
Johnson was beat for an explosive play down the right sideline on Carolina's first offensive drive because he tried to jump Jalen Coker's route. The veteran cornerback gave up a 26-yard reception.
Midway through the second quarter, the Panthers faced a first-and-goal from the Bears' 7-yard line. Bryce Young extended the play, ran up field and made a move on Johnson to score a 7-yard touchdown.
On Carolina's sixth offensive possession, running back Jonathan Brooks got behind Johnson for a 48-yard completion. That helped the Panthers end the drive with a 44-yard field goal.
Johnson did give up a 7-yard reception to Tetairoa McMillan at the start of the fourth quarter, but the veteran cornerback stuck with the play and knocked the ball out of McMillan's hands to force the turnover.
Stock Down: Tyrique Stevenson
The Bears' starting boundary cornerbacks did not have an encouraging start to the 2026 season. Stevenson was beat deep on a 51-yard touchdown reception from wide receiver Jalen Coker.
According to Pro Football Focus, Stevenson gave up three receptions on three targets for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Before Stevenson left the game with an injury in the third quarter, he had four tackles and was credited with one miss.
Stevenson left the game with 9:26 left in the third quarter and returned right before the quarter ended. While Stevenson was out, rookie defensive back Malik Muhammad moved to the boundary corner opposite of Jaylon Johnson.
Stevenson missed a tackle on Jalen Coker, giving up an 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Bears' starting cornerbacks have a lot to work on after this game.
Stock Down: Grady Jarrett
The Bears have discussed how the interior of the defensive line is an underrated aspect of the team. Well, veteran Grady Jarrett didn't help his teammates on the defense's first drive.
On third-and-goal from Chicago's 4-yard line, Jarrett did a good job of fighting through two blocks and had an opportunity to sack quarterback Bryce Young, who made a move on Jarrett and found a wide-open Chuba Hubbard for a touchdown.
The veteran defensive tackle was driven back on the goal line by left guard Damien Lewis on the goal line, allowing running back Hubbard to score a two-yard down to tie the game at 31.
Jarrett might have the most experience on the defensive line, but that isn't helping to produce more consistent results.
Honorable Mention(s)
Stock Up: Rookie defensive back Malik Muhammad showed off his versatility in the Week 1 matchup. He intercepted Bryce Young and had sticky coverage on former 2025 first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan on a fourth-and-3 to force a turnover on down.
Stock Up: Backup running back Kyle Monangai ran for 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 61-yard touchdown run. He helped the Bears rush for 291 total yards on the day.
