Last meeting
The Bears squandered home-field advantage in the 2005 NFC Divisional playoff round, losing to the Panthers, 29-21. After having the second-ranked defense in the NFL that year, Chicago allowed Carolina's offense to gain 434 total yards and let WR Steve Smith go wild with 12 catches for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
Streaks
The teams have split their four previous meetings. Check out the complete historical matchup.
Last week
The Bears used their signature winning formula of running and defense to upset the Colts, 29-13. ... The Panthers scored a touchdown as time expired to stun the host Chargers, 26-24.
Keep your eye on ...
Bears rookie RB Matt Forte: A second-round pick out of Tulane, Forte was outstanding in his regular-season debut, running through the Colts for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers could provide a stiffer test as they held LaDainian Tomlinson under 100 yards in Week 1.
Bears KR/WR Devin Hester: The dynamic returner signed a big contract extension and the team said he was going to be used as a primary receiver in addition to his return duties. It did not quite work out that way in Week 1. Hester averaged 18.3 yards per kickoff return and had only one catch for 7 yards.
Panthers TE Dante Rosario: A 2007 fifth-round pick, Rosario caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in his final three games last season. His potential was on full display in Week 1 as he grabbed seven receptions for 96 yards, including the game-winning 14-yard TD catch as time expired. He will face a tougher task getting open against a defense anchored by Pro Bowl LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.
Panthers DE Julius Peppers: Peppers mysteriously struggled last season, finishing with just 2.5 sacks and 38 tackles. He dominating during the preseason with seven tackles and two sacks in very limited action, but was silent in Week 1 with just one assisted tackle. The Panthers will need him to have more of an impact as the season moves forward.
Did you know?
Forte became the first rookie to start at running back for the Bears since Walter Payton in 1975. ... Chicago FB Jason McKie did not score a TD in his first 59 NFL games, but has two touchdowns in his last three games. ... The Panthers have never lost (6-0) when RB DeAngelo Williams rushes for at least 80 yards. ... Muhammad spent three seasons in Chicago, finishing with 164 catches for 2,183 yards.
