Panthers coach addresses Bears QB Caleb Williams postgame comments

Imagn Images

Panthers coach addresses Bears QB Caleb Williams postgame comments

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 12:03 AM ET

Caleb Williams was instrumental in the Chicago Bears’ season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. He produced an impressive stat line, proving that his strong performances last year are not a fluke. Panthers head coach Dave Canales shared his take on the quarterback’s postgame comments about the home team’s defense.

Williams completed 21-of-29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He finished with a 124.1 passer rating and added 10 rushing attempts for 65 yards and two scores. Scoring over Carolina wasn’t a problem for Chicago all afternoon long, winning 59-37 at Bank of America Stadium.

Cole Kmet and Jahdae Walker were the recipients of Williams’ touchdown passes, while D’Andre Swift rushed to the end zone three times. Kyle Monangai scored the other rushing touchdown.

Jun 11, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) speaks during Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Panther HC Dave Canales discusses Caleb Williams’ postgame comments

The clip of Williams’ postgame exchange with Canales has gone viral. It was posted on X and has since been viewed more than 1.6 million times.

“Y’all are a great defense man.” – Caleb Williams

Postgame exchange between the #Bears QB and #Panthers head coach Dave Canales.@CSLonQCN | #NFL pic.twitter.com/GC8wdRPVJt

— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) September 13, 2026

Reporters asked Canales for his thoughts about Williams’ comments. He made it clear that he doesn’t think the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner took a dig at his team. The third-year head coach also highlighted that Williams is a respectful player.

“It was a common postgame humility,” Canales said . “It was the same thing with my exchange with Ben Johnson. Caleb (was) just talking about preparing for the guys that we had and all that. The type of defense that we were able to play down the stretch last season, he was aware of it.

“They took advantage of things and they executed better than we did. So I didn’t take that as a dig at all. I thought it was a good kid just being respectful and just kind of making a comment about just like, ‘Hey, we prepared and you guys played hard.'”

Chicago will next face the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Sunday, looking to remain unbeaten. Canales and Carolina, on the other hand, will visit the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 2.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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