Five things to watch as Panthers kick off the season against the Bears

The Bears defense, predicated on turnovers more than anything in 2025, went high-risk, high-reward versus the deep pass last season, allowing 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions, both tied for the second-most in the league.

The secondary, particularly the safety unit, will look different for Chicago on Sunday than last year’s tape. The Bears lost Kevin Byard to free agency (now with the Patriots). He was replaced by sought-after free agent acquisition Coby Bryant (Seattle), but Bryant will be out several months with a knee injury.

Instead, Young (and McMillan) will be facing two new safeties for Chicago. One is rookie Dillon Thieneman. The other is a familiar face to the Panthers: Xavier Woods.

“He’s very intelligent,” noted Evero, who coached Woods for three years. “He’s not going to be the loudest, most vocal guy, but on the field, and I mean on the class, in the classroom, but on the field, he is very communicative.

“He’s very smart, he’s got a lot of experience — he has always got the football, he’s going to go find a way to get the ball. And so I think that’s a great duo for the Bears and for Mr. Thieneman as he comes into the league to have a partner like that in the back end that can help him grow.

“And so a lot of love for Xavier, but hoping he doesn’t have a good game on Sunday,” joked Evero.