Hester, Forte and Chicago Bears Defense Too Much for Newton, Smith and Panthers

The Carolina Panthers in three words: Talent. Potential. Penalties.

The Chicago Bears in three words: Told. You. So. (Here’s more proof.) 

OK, the three words are actually five: Devin Hester. Matt Forte. Defense. 

But it all adds up to a Bears victory against the young and talented Panthers.

To Whom It May Concern

Dear Panthers,

Please tell Cam Newton we were wrong about him. He doesn’t compare to Ryan Leaf, Danny Wuerffel or Tim Tebow.

A lot of teams were wrong about him.

It will be fascinating to see what he does in the future. Hopefully he continues to take the high road, avoids the mobile strip clubs, and doesn't dishearten his legion of impressionable young fans.

Because your team is starting to figure things out.

Players seem to believe in Ron Rivera (and they should). The glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel are blinding. The future is bright—tell the fans they’re free to don the shades.

It’s true, the penalties against the Bears were minor infractions that, altogether, added up to too much.

But knowing Coach Rivera, it’s likely team discipline will improve before the end of the year, eliminating many unnecessary setbacks.

Overall, congrats on playing to your strengths and turning the franchise around. Please beat Washington, Detroit and New Orleans (at least once) when you face them.

We don't want to see you again this year (or next year).

Kthxbai,

Da Bears

Hester, Forte and Defense

Devin Hester is a special talent.

He belongs in the Hall of Fame and will end up there (in some capacity).

He’s the standard by which all returners will be measured from now until “football” means “soccer” on Michigan Avenue.

So enjoy it, Bears fans—there’s never been a ride like this one.

Let’s see—who do we make the check out to? Oh right, Matt Forte. How much?

Jerry Angelo and the McCaskeys can leave the check blank and call it a good deal. Raise your hand if you think Forte’s agent made a phone call today.

Is pass protection improving? Hard to say—the Bears didn’t pass.

Who cares? Right. For once, Lovie Smith can say it: the Bears got off the bus running.

On defense, the Bears were physical and managed to take advantage of some opportunities, including a blocked field goal and a defensive touchdown.

But Cam Newton and Steve Smith, apparently wearing a jersey that makes him invisible, presented serious problems for the Bears.

Brandon Meriweather and Tim Jennings are still trying to figure out who was supposed to be covering the Panthers’ top receiver (Psst! It’s probably both of you).

Ultimately, the Bears’ experience proved to be enough to best the young Panthers. Fact is, Matt Forte is probably still adding to his rushing totals.

A victory would have been difficult (though not impossible) to avoid. But this game was a step in the right direction, even if it's a step everyone expected the Bears to take (and make).

The Lions, Vikings and Buccaneers will be tougher—and beating the Panthers wasn’t so easy.

But the expectations are the same—win.

Or win.