Game balls
Running back Jonathan Stewart gave the Panthers a boost in the second half after the team managed just 47 total yards in the first two quarters. The rookie finished with 77 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.
Key stat
The game featured 22 penalties. Carolina had two illegal formation infractions in the first half and a holding penalty in the second half that negated a touchdown. Chicago's costliest flag was Kyle Orton's intentional grounding late in the fourth quarter that forced a punt.
Noteworthy
The heat index on the field was 110 degrees. ... Bears WR Devin Hester was carted off the field with a rib injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... The Panthers last started 2-0 in 2003. ... Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad finished with five receptions for 59 yards, making him the 29th player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.
