No one expected a show of fireworks between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. In fact, we knew this was a patently garbage game on paper and would probably not morph into an instant classic.
In a 16-13 win for Chicago, the Bears and Panthers predictably delivered boredom amid an unrepentant snoozefest. As someone who literally (and regrettably) watched all 60 minutes, I’m not sure I remember more than a handful of select plays. And even then, this game is already fading from my memory because I’m probably trying to repress its ugliness.
But it wasn’t all bad! Chicago’s victory carries some serious ramifications for the organization’s future. Meanwhile, Bryce Young’s failure to outduel a former Division II quarterback doesn’t spell out good things for his future.
Let’s dive into the winners and losers from TNF in Chicago.
Winner: The Bears, for helping their case at the 2024 No. 1 overall pick
We talked at length about the implications of a Chicago win and loss on Thursday night. That’s what happens when you own the other team’s first-round draft pick in 2024. Ultimately, it probably didn’t matter what the Bears achieved against the Panthers because they seemed destined to have two top-five picks this spring anyway.
But beating the Panthers was likely the better result for an organization that probably needs a hard reset at quarterback (and just about everywhere else). If Carolina — the league’s current worst team by record — finishes this way, Chicago will get the opportunity to draft someone like Southern California’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye as its next offensive signal-caller.
Bears win-win. They beat the Panthers 16-13, and being that they own Carolina’s 2024 first-round pick, further boosted their chances of landing the No. 1 overall pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2023
For the NFL’s oldest franchise seeking hope for the future, both are prizes worth the price of watching a random, awful Thursday night game in November.
Losers: Anyone hoping Bryce Young is going to figure it out
I understand reservations about making concrete judgments on Bryce Young and his long-term outlook in the NFL. But man, I find it really hard to believe this young man’s gonna piece it together and live up to the status of being a No. 1 overall pick. Thursday night was particularly rough for any members of the #YoungHive.
Against the NFL’s 30th-ranked defense by DVOA efficiency, Young completed just 21-of-38 passes for 185 yards. Folks, that is an average of 4.8 yards per pass attempt. It is tantamount to a quarterback essentially never challenging the defense. Young himself left more than a few throws on the field, especially a smattering of ducks to open receivers in a winnable game for Carolina. I mean, c’mon. The guy starting for the other team will likely be a glorified career backup. Even in a tough situation, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect Young to play better:
"He has no supporting cast and it's only his first year" I know I know but is it too much to ask for No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young to out-duel some dude named T-Bag
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 10, 2023
By no means is Young “done.” But he’s already fighting an uphill battle with a horrific supporting cast. It’s hard not to wonder whether Carolina will regret drafting him instead of C.J. Stroud for years to come.
Winner: All of us watching that "game" mercifully end on a missed kick
I held my breath when Carolina kicker Eddy Pineiro lined up for a game-tying 59-yard field goal in the final minutes. The last thing I, a devout football lover, wanted to see was more of a matchup that featured 29 total points, less than 200 yards passing for both teams and just about a cumulative average of four yards per play. (No, I don’t credit “good” defense for any of this.)
Could you imagine if this game actually went to overtime? My goodness. Amazon would’ve absolutely brought Jason Kelce back to talk about the Tush Push and his podcast. There’s not a doubt in my mind. No one would have wanted to watch a sudden death period between two of the NFL’s worst teams.
On 4th-and-10, Panthers head coach Frank Reich opts for… a 59-yard field goal try.
Eddy Piñeiro is not close.
The Bears get the ball back with a 16-13 lead with 1:35 left. pic.twitter.com/oK9tNsjYqm
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 10, 2023
I know he’s probably (rightfully) broken up about it because it’s his job, but thank you to Eddy Pineiro and Frank Reich for settling for that kick. Pineiro almost extended a dreadful night of football.
Thankfully, for all of our sakes, he didn’t.
