The Carolina Panthers opened the 2026 season by allowing the most points in franchise history in a single game — 59. The only thing that might make the loss more digestible were the 37 points the Panthers put up.
Read more Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend’s Brother Zach Breaks His Silence After Arrest
The Panthers are now 0-1, although still technically tied for first in the NFC South since the other three teams in the division also lost Sunday.
Dave Canales was honest about the team’s shortcomings, admitting that neither side of the ball played well enough to win.
“We just have to do whatever it takes to win, and we can’t take moral victories on points scored or different things,” he said. “And even the defense had some spectacular series in there, but it was compounded by the big mistakes all across the board.”
Here’s more of what the third-year head coach said:
“Seventeen points off turnovers, and then the explosive plays. And then offensively, just missing some opportunities to take advantage of as we were moving the ball. Getting field goals instead of touchdowns. I wish I could sit here and tell you about the good stuff that happened, but that doesn’t matter. We played a really good team, and when you make fundamental mistakes, it gets magnified with great players. That’s something that we have to be able to look at, be able to grow from as we go into this thing.
“Very disappointed. The penalty thing was about even. It was the timeliness of when those things happened, the choices that were made in some of the situations to extend their drives, just giving them a little bit of extra time, and a (Bears) offense that was really balanced and was able to find the run game today for sure. And then finding some explosive plays down the field. Stuff we got to look at. Stuff I got to take responsibility for, but as a group, we got to make sure that we’re looking at this stuff. And the message to the guys was, ‘You’re going to be sick about just the most fundamental parts of football, the things that were missed.’”
“Seventeen points off turnovers doesn’t equal 59 points, and we could have helped that. We could have not extended drives with penalties. There were some things that we gave a really good offense more opportunities. They don’t need any more opportunities. They were creating their own, and that’s something that collectively we have to make sure we take care of.”
“There were a couple of little wrinkles, but most of the stuff fit within what they’ve done. They’ve done a lot the last year, so we had a ton of film to be able to watch and look at. But you know, it started off with the run game, and certainly on our side, on the offensive side, we didn’t get the run game going either.
Read more Aaron Rodgers Shades Teammates, Officials After Steelers’ Win Over Falcons
“And we took advantage of turnover on downs to turn that into points, and they had a fumble as well. So you know, we were able to capitalize on some of those things. But it was certainly a collective group, and that starts with me.”
“I thought the rhythm was good. Getting us into concepts that we’re comfortable with and finding some explosive plays. While they were infrequent — there wasn’t a lot of them — but we found some, and we moved the ball. And the run game could have gotten going. We need more downs. The failed fourth down was a close one right there. I like the call. We had one-on-one with T-Mac.
“You know we expect those guys to win in those types of situations, and we didn’t get that win right there. That’s something that we count on. So I was really pleased with the way Brad managed the calls, got it in timely fashion, and made it cohesive for the offense and for Bryce (Young) and all that.”
“I saw the guys battle. I saw them play really hard. Toughness, physicality, all that stuff’s not the problem. We just got to make sure we’re all connected with the run game, so we’re not trying to make a play that’s not ours to make. And I think that’s what’s going to show up, without having watched the film.
“Typically, when it happens that way, it’s somebody playing out of their responsibility, not trusting the guy next to them to be able to do theirs. And that’s the part where we have to come together, and we got to make sure that we solidify. Just trust your responsibility. Play together so we can mitigate some of those big plays.”
“I thought Bryce was rhythmic. He extended plays. Made some stuff happen with his legs. I really loved the way he played. Had some nice balls down the field to Jalen (Coker), and gave the guys opportunities. Gave us an opportunity to move the chains that way. I wish I could dive more into the stuff I’m excited about. I can’t. We didn’t play great. We didn’t play good enough in any phases of the game to win the game today. So we have to all collectively take that.”
This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 6:16 PM with the headline “What Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said after season-opening loss to Bears.”
Read more A horrid defensive performance by Carolina Panthers ensures Week 1 loss to Bears