After Huge Opening Day Wins, Panthers and Bears Face-off in Week 2

Let me get this out of my system early...Jake Delhomme is a badass.

Okay, now onto this week's game. The Panthers will face the dreaded home opener as the 1-0 Chicago Bears come into town. Why is it such a bad thing that the Panthers are playing in their home opener, you ask. Let me tell you: all time the Panthers are an embarrasing 3-10 in home openers since their existence. 3 wins...in 13 home openers. In fact, the Panthers haven't won their home opener since their 2003 Super Bowl year. Crazy. But, with everybody traveling down memory lane to that year following Carolina's ridiculous 26-24 last second (literally) win over heavily favored San Diego (w/out the services of Steve Smith), maybe the Panthers can rekindle some of that magic at home this week?

The Panthers will get a stern test for a Chicago team that owned the Colts last week as the Colts opened up Lucas Oil Stadium. The Bears did whatever they wanted offensively and defensively pretty much the entire game last week. The defense looks to be rejuvinated following a very disappointing year last year. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs will challenge a Carolina running game with gained 142 yards against San Diego last week. Luckily for the Panthers, however, is the presense of K Rhys Lloyd, who boots kicks deep into the endzone with regularity, effectively eliminating the dangerous and exciting Devin Hester. It will come down to if the Panthers can stop Matt Forte and the Chicago offense.

Offensively, the Panthers will be looking for more magic from sorely missed and aforementioned badass Jake Delhomme. Delhomme completed 21 passes last week for 247 yards and unforgetable TD throw to TE Dante Rosario, who despite a foot injury, should play a big role in Carolina's offense. If the Panthers can run with the effectiveness they did last week with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, they should be tough to stop once again. But, Carolina needs to figure out a way to score once they get inside the red zone, especially playing a tough defense in Chicago where those chances could be limited.

How do I see it? I have to admit I'm nervous about the Bears. I thought they would be a 5-7 win team this year but following last week's ownage of the Colts, and Carolina's dismal showings at home the past 2 seasons, I'm worried. But, we've got Jake Delhomme and a running game once again. I like the Panthers to win by 4 in a close, hard fought game.

Carolina Panthers 20, Chicago Bears 16