Chicago travels to Carolina in a rematch from the regular season.  The Panthers were victorius on the road as they pressured Hurts into tossing 3 Ints.  The final score was Car 24  Chi 10

Carolina receives to start the game.  They pick up one first down but the Bears' defense stiffens forcing a punt.  Chicago though makes their first mistake of the game by roughing the punter.  This breathes new life into the Carolina offense.  The Panthers move the ball methodically down the field reaching the Chicago 8 where it is first and goal.  Mahomes tosses 3 straight incompletions and the Bear defense limits the damage by yielding only a FG.

Bears take over but another penalty results in them not making a first down.  Carolina goes 3 and out.  Bears start at their own 22 and have another motion penalty on first down.  2 plays later facing 3rd and 9 on their own 23, Hurts throws and it's intercepted by Darious Williams and he finds paydirt.  Panthers up 10 zip and the Bears look like they haven't awakened from their winter slumber.  Bears feeling the game could be slippling away early start to move the ball with no penalties as we enter the 2nd quarter.  Panthers defense stiffens and Piniero is left with a 50 yd FG attempt which he makes.

Carolina facing a 3rd and 6 as Chicago is looking to force a 3 and out.  Mahomes back and he throws deep and it falls incomplete.  The ball is not the only thing hitting the ground as a penalty is called against Banks for pass interference (a 31 yard penalty).  Ball at the Bear 40.  Panthers offense starts moving again where they eventually reach the Bears 10 and face 3rd and 5.  A Mahomes pass is caught right near the first down but comes up inches short making it 4th down.  Coach Doug keeps the offense on the field.  Handoff to Herbert and he's dropped in the backfield.  Huge stop for Chicago.  Bears pick up a couple of first downs before being flagged on 2 consecutive plays which stalls the drive.  Carolina has the ball on their own 11 with 1:49 left in the half.  After 3 runs they come up short and punt to Chicago.  Chicago manages to give Pineiro a 57 yd FG attempt but it comes up short.  Carolina 10 Chicago 3 at the half.

Bears come out determined on offense and drive down the field with their best series of the game.  They reach the Carolina 1.  The Panthers defense stops 2 runs from there forcing Chicago to add a chip-shot FG.  Carolina picks up one first down but then is forced to punt.  Bears also get 1 first down but must punt.  The defenses are playing well.  Panthers go 3 and out.  A good punt return gives Chicago the ball at their 48.  Facing 3rd and 7, Hurts finds Warren for 14 and a late hit adds another 15 yards.  Bears at the Carolina 20.  Chicago only gains 5 yards as the Panthers force another FG and still lead 10 - 9.  As the 4th quarter begins.

Panthers start on their own 13.  2 plays later it's 3rd and 8.  Mahomes back to pass and finds Brown who stretches for the first down but comes up short.  Coach Crandall says go for it.  The hometown faithful rise to their feet.  Mahomes with the snap drives forward.  There is a measurement.  Pat is stopped inches short.  The silence is deafening.  Bears use White on 4 straight runs and he finds the end zone from the 2.  Chicago with their first lead 15-10.  Coach Opheim says go for 2.  They stay with the hot hand and hand to White who converts.  Chicago 17 Carolina 10 with 11:08 left.  Carolina though goes 3 and out.  Cooke though hits a rocket 83 yard punt for a touchback which turns around field position.  Hurts finds Lamb for 26 then for 8.  Jalen then keeps the ball twice gaining 1 yard each time as Chicago trys to add to their lead.  Another holding penalty on first down helps stall the Bear momentum as they punt.  Carolina starts at their 20 with 4:17 left.  Mahomes back to pass incomplete.  Another pass hits the gound.  On third and 10, Mahomes dumps the ball to Engram but he's tackled for a 2 yard loss.  It's now 4th and 12.  Pat drops back and throws deep down field and it's broken up.  Chicago takes over on the Carolina 18 with 3:17 left.  Hurts gains 1.  On second down Hurts breaks free and he finds the endzone.  Chicago now leads 24 - 10.  Panthers are unable to make a first down as the game ends.

Kudos to Doug on another tough game.  Mahomes was 13-26 for 71 yards.  Carolina limited to 9 first downs and 145 yards of total offense.  Chicago had to overcome 9 penalties and a pick 6.  Hurts was 25-15 for 157 yards with an INT.  Bears had 296 yards of total offense as both defense were stout.

Congrats to Doug on a fine season.