Oct 22, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) congratulates free safety Eddie Jackson (39) after a 76 yard interception return for a touchdown during the first half at Soldier Field. Photo Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO — Rookie safety Eddie Jackson became the first player in NFL history to score two defensive touchdowns of at least 75 yards in the same game, and the Chicago Bears made them stand up in a 17-3 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.
Jackson scored on a 75-yard fumble return and a 76-yard interception return during the first half. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky played it safe on the other side of the ball as he completed four of seven passes for 107 yards.
Chicago (3-4) won its second game in a row and improved to 2-1 since naming Trubisky as the starter.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (21 of 34, 211 yards) was intercepted twice in the loss. Turnovers crippled Carolina, which fell short despite posting a 20-5 advantage in first downs and a 293-153 edge in total yards.
Carolina (4-3) dropped its second straight game and lost on the road for the first time this season.
Chicago opened the scoring on Jackson’s fumble return on the game’s first series. Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel could not corral a lateral from Newton, and Jackson scooped up the fumble and raced down the sideline.
Jackson struck again with the interception return in the second quarter to increase Chicago’s lead to 14-0. Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara deflected a pass that was intended for Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, and Jackson grabbed the deflection on a full sprint on his way to the end zone.
The teams traded field goals late in the second quarter as Chicago built a 17-3 halftime lead.
Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan picked off Newton with 7:07 remaining to spoil Carolina’s comeback bid.
NOTES: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly was ruled out for the game because he is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The 26-year-old has missed 10 games since 2015 because of concussions. … Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski returned to action after missing the previous four games with an injured pectoral muscle. … Panthers S Kurt Coleman missed his third consecutive game because of a sprained MCL in his left knee. … Bears DL Akiem Hicks walked slowly off the field after he was kneed in the helmet. … Panthers RG Trai Turner sustained a left knee injury and did not return. C Ryan Kalil (neck) and LT Matt Kalil (ankle) also left the game because of injuries.
