Panthers vs. Bears: 5 Halftime Adjustments Carolina Must Make

1. Penalties

On their first drive of the game, Carolina was called for three different penalties. Both the passing game and the running game were clicking for the Panthers, but facing a 2nd & 18 deep in Chicago territory proved a little too much for their offense. They had to settle for a field goal. You can thank foolish penalties (illegal formation, offsides, holding) for keeping the Panthers from opening the game with 7. In the first half, the Panthers were called for 5 penalties in all.

2. Defend the Run

Chicago is embracing the run, and Carolina has to do a better job of pressuring Matt Forte and Marion Barber. Both Chicago backs looked very comfortable running into Carolina's defensive line. They have to force the Bears to putt the ball in Jay Culter's hands.

3. More Pressure on the Return Game

Devin Hester has seemed almost unstoppable on the gridiron for Chicago. In the midst of a punt return for a touchdown, the Panthers had him wrapped up around midfield, and he was inexplicably able to break the tackle, giving the Bears a big 24-10 lead. For the Panthers to win, the need to finish tackles. The Panthers have had possession of the ball almost twice as long and the Bears, and yet entered halftime down 4. The discrepancy there lies in the lack of controlling the Bears' return game.

4. Keep Being Selective with the Long Ball

After last week's win, in which Newton only threw for 158 yards, he's begun to realize that he does not have to carry the Panthers with his arm. But that does not mean his arm is not a valuable asset when used in moderation, as evidenced by his beautiful 53 yard throw to Steve Smith, which set up Carolina's first touchdown of the afternoon. This reception also pushed Smith into first-place in all-time receiving yards for the Panthers. He ended the first half with over 130 yards receiving.

5. More Touches for DeAngelo Williams

Williams has looked good throughout the first two quarters of this game, including a longest run of 26 yards. He should see a few more touches in the second half, since he's working with upwards of 7 yards per carry right now.