Read what writers around the country are saying about the Bears following Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Sports Illustrated
Comments: "It's getting more difficult all the time to see the Bears as a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC. There's talent galore on offense in Chicago, but the Bears are maddening in their ability to play down to the level of their opponent." - Don Banks Read more
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See the story of Sunday's loss against the Panthers through our photographers' lenses.
Carolina punt returner Philly Brown scooped up the ball and darted 63 yards for a touchdown, giving the Panthers an early 7-0 lead.
Jay Cutler tries to complete a deep pass to Brandon Marshall, but the ball is intercepted by Carolina's Roman Harper.
Following a recovered fumble, forced by Isaiah Frey, Matt Forte takes a screen pass 10 yards and into the end zone, tying up the score.
Willie Young records Chicago's second takeaway of the afternoon with a strip-sack of Cam Newton, giving the ball back to the offense.
Cutler capitalizes on the turnover, running in from 10 yards out. It is the quarterback's first rushing touchdown since 2011.
Following a Carolina punt, the Bears score again, as Cutler hits Alshon Jeffery on a screen pass, with the receiver taking it 25 yards for a touchdown.
Rookie defensive tackle Ego Ferguson deflects passes on two straight plays. The second one falls into the arms of Lance Briggs for the Bears' third takeaway of the game.
Forte takes a screen pass 56 yards, putting the ball in Carolina territory at the end of the first half.
Robbie Gould misses a 35-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining in the second quarter.
The Panthers drive right down and score, with Newton hitting Greg Olsen on a 9-yard touchdown to make it 21-14 at halftime.
Chris Ogbonnaya's 1-yard touchdown run tied the game midway through the third quarter.
Gould's 45-yard field goal attempt is right down the middle, as the Bears re-take the lead.
Cutler throws his second interception of the afternoon, as Thomas DeCoud picks him off.
Four plays later, Graham Gano makes a 44-yard field goal to tie it all up at 24-24.
On the very first play of the ensuing Chicago drive, Forte is stripped by Antoine Cason, giving the Panthers possession.
Newton hits Olsen for their second touchdown connection of the day, a 6-yard score, giving the Panthers a lead with 2:23 remaining.
The Bears attempt to drive down and tie the game, but Cutler is sacked twice, including on fourth down, ending Chicago's chances.
CBS Sports** Comments: "The Bears turned the ball over on their final three possessions of the game. You can't turn the ball over on your final three possessions of the game." - John Breech Read more
Pro Football Talk
Comments: "The Bears seemed in control but Jay Cutler's interception and Kyle Long's fumble late allowed the Panthers to take the lead, then sealed the game when Kawann Short sacked Cutler and forced a fumble on fourth down late." - Darin Gantt Read more
NFL.com
Comments: "Something is not quite right with the Chicago passing attack. They schemed a number of great screens early in the game, but only put up three points after halftime. They are struggling to make intermediate throws, and Jay Cutler threw a killer interception in the fourth quarter." - Gregg Rosenthal Read more
ESPN
Comments: "The Bears helped Carolina's cause by Jay Cutler throwing two interceptions and Robbie Gould missing a 35-yard field goal. But the Panthers helped themselves with an improved pass rush in the second half, which had been missing all year." - John Clayton Read more
USA Today
Comments: "It was the second straight lousy finish for the Bears, who now have five turnovers in their last 11 second-half possessions." - Tom Pelissero Read more
