CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Chicago Bears forced three first-half turnovers and linebacker Jonathan Bostic returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown, but the Carolina Panthers spoiled Marc Trestman's NFL head coaching debut with a 24-17 win over Friday.
The Bears — who forced four turnovers — picked up where they left off last season when they led the NFL with 44 takeaways and finished with nine defensive touchdowns, one shy of the league record.
Chicago's offense, however, left plenty of room for improvement.
Jay Cutler was intercepted on his first play from scrimmage by Josh Norman, setting up a touchdown pass from Cam Newton to Brandon LaFell. Cutler completed 6 of 8 passes for 56 yards but the Bears had three turnovers and allowed seven sacks.
Newton was 3 of 6 for 16 yards.
Norman had two interceptions, including one he returned 60 yards for a score.
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