Thanks for checking out my review of the Panthers 34-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Cam Newton played well in the loss to Chicago but once again the defense could not overcome injuries and inexperience.

Matt Forte the Bears running back had a career day with 205 yards rushing in the win over the Panthers. Quarterback Jay Cutler was held in check but Forte had a field day against the Carolina defense. Brian Urlacher and Brandon Merriweather had eight and six tackles respectively for the Bears. As I feared Devin Hester had a big punt return, a 69 yarder for a touchdown.

Cam Newton had one interception and one fumble (he recovered) while completing 27 of 46 for 374 yards and a touchdown pass to Greg Olsen. Cam Newton continues to improve and the Panthers running game looked much better against the Bears.

DeAngelo Williams quieted critics with 10 carries for 82 yards including a 26 yarder. Jonathan Stewart had eight carries for 52 yards and Newton added 35 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns.

Steve Smith had another great game with eight catches for 181 yards while Olsen had five for 50 yards and the touchdown. Brandon LaFell has four catches for 42 yards for the Panthers against the Bears.

Dan Connor and Omar Gaither led the Panthers with six and five tackles respectively while Charles “Big Money” Johnson had one tackle and one sack. The defense looked good against the pass but the inexperienced defensive tackles hurt their run defense.

The Panthers offense once again struggled with penalties that hurt them in their opponent’s territory. What impressed me even in a Carolina loss to Chicago was that the team has been close in every game in 2011.

This team wants to win but I feel they need to learn how to do that in all these close games. Cam Newton is driven to win games and in turn that helps fire up his teammates. When the Panthers get a little more experience in their new systems they will start to win these games.