Injured DT Bobby Brown III battles through Panthers' defensive collapse versus Bears

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Participating in a positional drill Sept. 1, Bobby Brown III paused and called for assistance. Team trainers arrived and helped the Carolina Panthers' defensive tackle to the sideline.

Lying on the field, Brown went through a series of stretches. Coach Dave Canales said after the session that the six-year veteran returned to the workout, but appeared on the injury report throughout the week leading up to his Week 1 start against the visiting Chicago Bears.

Twice during Sunday's 59-37 defensive collapse at Bank of America Stadium, Brown endured additional back ailments, requiring medical treatment. Both times, the 2021 Super Bowl champion returned for more punishment from Bears coach Ben Johnson's offense, which scored the most points ever in a single game against the 32-year franchise.

The Bears scored eight touchdowns, compiled 552 yards and converted 10 of 14 third-down plays. They rushed for 291 yards on 39 attempts and six scores. 

Standing in front of his locker, Brown, who was credited with two tackles and a half stuff, didn't offer any excuses.

"My back is tight, but other than that ... we gotta stop the run," he said. "Point blank. We can't have that."

Panthers' Bobby Brown III suffering from back pain

Did the Bears' offensive staff out-gameplan Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero?

Was the Bears' blocking scheme that effective against the 3-4 base defense? 

"Nah, it was us," Brown said. "They are a good team (and) you can't give a good team chances like that. They also made the plays that were there for them to make."

The Panthers reworked the defense last offseason, spending $165 million on free agents, headlined by edge Jaelan Phillips and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. Among other moves, general manager Dan Morgan also drafted defensive tackle Lee Hunter, cornerback Will Lee III and safety Zakee Wheatley and added "tackling machine" linebacker Bobby Okereke late in training camp.

All played significant snaps Sunday, but the Panthers pressured Bears quarterback Caleb Williams just 16.1 percent of the time, the NFL's lowest Week 1 mark, ESPN reported. Williams, often creating plays while scrambling, completed 21 of 29 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns. He also attempted 10 rushes and amassed 65 yards and two scores, including a 29-yard dash opened up by Lee colliding with the receiver Lloyd was attempting to cover, opening up a lane.

“Fifty-nine is an ugly score to put up as a defense," said Phillips, who was credited with tackles and one sack. "It was embarrassing.”

MORE: DT Aaron Hall among surprise picks for Panthers' initial 53-man roster 

Panthers defensive tackle Aaron Hall, an undrafted free agent, made his pro debut Sunday and executed one tackle. The moment just didn't feel the way he anticipated.

"It was a surreal feeling," Hall said. "Nobody likes the feeling of getting (59) put up on you in a game. The debut feeling has kind of faded."

When asked about Brown's effort, the former Duke standout shook his head.

"I think y'all see what type of warrior he is," Hall said. "I mean, he's that guy who's never going to quit. He's going to go out there, bloody, broken and bruised. I mean, that's just who he is (and) speaks volumes toward his character."

Next week's effort at the offensively challenged Atlanta Falcons could speak volumes about the Panthers' character.  

More NFL news

• Panthers coach Dave Canales finding room, roles for five tight ends
• Panthers DL Tershawn Wharton remains sidelined, restructures contract
• TE Ja'Tavion Sanders' time with Panthers could be running out
• Panthers DL TeRah Edwards appreciates new NFL opportunity
• Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. facing tough NFL training camp roster test