What Do You Need to Know About the Panthers?

Bears host Carolina at Solider Field on Sunday

The Carolina Panthers will visit Soldier Field on Sunday for another tilt with the Bears. What do we need to know about the team the Bears narrowly beat last season? Read on.

Rough week: On Monday, the Panthers fired general manager Marty Hurney after the team started 1-5. He was blamed for the team's lack of leadership, which is a great way to start the week preparing for a game with one of the NFL's best teams.

As the Cam Turns
: The Carolina Panthers' fortunes have turned on the play of their young quarterback. He is their leading rusher and passer, but his demeanor on the sidelines and in press conferences have led to questions about his ability to lead. (Sound familiar, Bears fans?)

Still Steve Smith
: A week after Charles Tillman was tasked with stopping Calvin Johnson, he has to face perennial star receiver Steve Smith. He has 471 yards in six games and always has big games against the Bears. He dropped 181 yards on the Bears last season, and will look to have a repeat performance on Sunday.

Another big test for the O-Line
: The offensive line just can't catch a break. The Panthers have two threats in Charles Johnson and Dwan Edwards who can get to the quarterback. They each have 3.5 sacks, and show off what having a coach like Ron Rivera can do for a team.

Whither Thou Williams?
The Panthers are paying DeAngelo Williams $43 million, but he's not exactly living up to his expectations. He has just 177 yards this season. Last week against Dallas, he had just two carries for four yards. Rivera said he's not injured, so it's hard to figure out what's going on with the one-time vaunted running back.

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