The Bears just took advantage of the Panthers self-paralysis, and now trail by five, down 19-14 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Panthers have been kicking away from Devin Hester all day, determined to not let him beat them. Problem is, they’re effectively giving them the ball at the 40 most of the time they kick off, making it just as effective as blasting the ball out of bounds.
Their latest effort was a six-yard punt by Brad Nortman, which set up a 12-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Davis.
The Panthers are playing clutch-and-grab and trying to not lose, and it’s almost worked long enough.
UPDATE 3:45 p.m. ET: And just like that, Bears cornerback Tim Jennings intercepts Cam Newton and returns it for a touchdown, and the Bears lead 20-19 with 6:44 left.