Panthers...20 Bears...17
CHARLOTTE, N.C -- After watching the Chicago Bears build a big lead behind a stout defense and a rookie running back, the Carolina Panthers used the same combination to stage a late comeback for a 20-17 win.
Jonathan Stewart rushed for all but one of his 77 yards in the second half and scored two touchdowns, including the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, and the Panthers stopped the Bears on fourth and one with under two minutes left.
Without suspended star receiver Steve Smith, the Panthers (2-0) broke a four-game losing streak in home openers, a week after they stunned San Diego.
The Bears (1-1) couldn’t build off last week’s impressive win at Indianapolis, despite 92 yards rushing from Matt Forte.
Quoteworthy: “I’m excited to have our rocket back.” -- Jake Delhomme, Panthers quarterback, on receiver Steve Smith’s impending return
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