(Chicago) D’Onta Foreman scored a rushing touchdown and the Chicago Bears increased their chances of having the first selection in the next NFL draft by defeating the Carolina Panthers 16-13 on Thursday.
During a match between two of the five worst teams on the circuit, the Bears (3-7) made enough plays to sign the victory.
The Bears have also improved their chances of obtaining the first selection in the next auction since they hold the Panthers’ first pick in 2024. They obtained it with DJ Moore last March in return for the very first right of word this year.
The Panthers (1-8) are tied with the Arizona Cardinals – who play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday – for last place in the NFL overall.
Foreman gave the Bears a 16-10 lead in the fourth quarter with a four-yard run.
The Bears were clinging to a three-point lead when Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro attempted a 59-yard field goal. The ball did not return.
Moore caught five passes for 58 yards against his former team.
Rookie Tyson Bagent threw for 162 yards in his fourth straight start for the Bears, while Justin Fields is sidelined with a dislocated thumb.
Bagent was unable to connect with a few well-placed receivers, completing the game with 20 throws on 33 attempts. He had three interceptions and fumbled the ball once last week against the New Orleans Saints.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette returned a punt 79 yards for a score for the Panthers in the first quarter. But Bryce Young had another tough game, completing 21 of 38 passes for 185 yards.