The Chicago Bears’ trade with the Carolina Panthers from 2023 that landed them a bevy of picks – including DJ Moore and the 2024 No. 1 overall pick they used on Caleb Williams – is in focus this week. But the Bears will also see former starter Andy Dalton.
Dalton assumed the starting quarterback job from Bryce Young, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick whom Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched for a better chance at winning.
He has completed 65.4% of his passes for 539 yards with 5 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Matt Eberflus Expecting ‘Consistency’ From Andy Dalton When Bears Face Panthers
Former Bears QB Andy Dalton & Panthers Offense Rolling
“Just consistency,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told Clocker Sports during his Friday presser when asked what has stood out since Dalton took over. “You could see the execution at a high level. They’ve had really good numbers the last two weeks when he’s been in there, and that’s no surprise.
“You have a veteran quarterback that’s operated in a lot of different offenses and, certainly, knows this one being there. And you just see the continuity, consistency, accuracy. Everything you’d expect from Andy and a veteran quarterback.”
The Panthers scored 13 points total over the first two weeks with Young under center. They have averaged 30 points per game over the last two weeks with Dalton as QB1. The Bears’ defense will be the toughest that Dalton and the Panthers have faced so far this season.
However, it is the Bears’ offense that could use this game to get right. Williams and the Bears’ offense have produced 40 points total over the past two weeks. They needed a second-half turnaround to take down the short-handed Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.
Bears Passing Game Coordinator Thomas Brown’s Revenge Game Loading?
Bears wide receiver DJ Moore downplayed his interest in beating his former team, noting that he got the win over them in 2023. But Moore is not the only former Panther in the Bears building who could benefit from a big game in Week 5.
Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is the architect of the offense. But passing game Thomas Brown is a vital part of the operation.
He was also the Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.
The Panthers let Brown go after the campaign after firing his former boss, Frank Reich, who was Eberflus’ boss with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 through the 2021 season. It will not be a head-to-head duel between the last two No. 1 picks. But Brown and Co. can showcase Williams and the passing game against a Panthers defense allowing north of 32 PPG.
Bears’ Charity ‘Starts’ With Matt Eberflus
On Tuesday, Bears specialists kicker Cairo Santos, long snapper Scott Daly, and punter Tory Taylor helped Lemons of Love pack 200 meals that will be delivered to cancer patients in the Chicagoland area.
Santos credited Eberflus with encouraging the players to get involved in the community.
“Yeah, coach Coach Flus always said, he starts every Wednesday meeting – which is like, really the start of the new week of that opponent – kind of keeping a piece of perspective. How he wants everybody on the team to, at least once a month, to participate in something like that. And so, like I said, just keep supreme perspective,” Santos told Clocker Sports on Friday.
“Sometimes we’re getting inside our whole little world here, preparing for the next opponent, dial in and just football plays. But really, there’s so much more in the world going on. That and we live such a short window with this NFL life that we’ve got to maximize the opportunities to impact the world in a positive way. So it comes from Flus, and the team responds in such a great way, participating every week in that.”
Santos was equally as expressive about the experience itself.
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and it has affected people close to Santos.
“It’s a hard time in those people’s lives that are going to chemo and cancer. So an opportunity that we can bring a smile during that process for them, is something that’s very gratifying. Just to represent a good impact in their days and in that process for them,” Santos said.
“When those opportunities pop up on our community board, I always try to see if it’s something that I can make an impact. You never know what that interaction’s going to do to their battle. It can help them kind of fight a little more. I’ve lost friends due to cancer and family members and stuff. I’m sure everyone kind of knows people who have gone through those battles and empathizes with people going through those processes. It just means a lot that we can use our platform to bring a smile and positivity during those times.”
Taylor also appreciated the opportunity to make an impact off the field.
“I think man, whenever you go and like do something a little bit, I wouldn’t say out of your comfort zone. But when you go and do something that means a lot for someone else, I think that’s always enjoyable. And it’s kind of good to change things up and do something you don’t really usually do throughout the week. So yeah, we all really enjoyed it,” Taylor told Clocker Sports on Friday.
“I think a lot of the time that we’re doing stuff football-related. But I think doing these together and just learning about other people as well is always a good thing to do, I feel like.”
The duo also enjoy the team-bonding aspect of such activities.
“First of all, just great people that want to perfect their craft every day,” Santos said. “So I think just being around people like that, those types of character, helps me push myself to work on my craft and not ever get complacent. And secondly, they’re very good at what they do. So, it keeps me very calm and confident throughout the week and preparing for game days knowing that I have two guys that I can’t count on for every single play.”
“They’re all pros, which makes things a lot easier,” Taylor said. “I think the best thing is we always keep it honest. But we’re not ridiculing one another or anything like that in a demonstrative way. And I feel like that is why we’re so successful on Sundays.”