Stewart, defense lead Panthers over Bears, 20-17

CHARLOTTE, N.C — After watching the Chicago Bears build a big lead behind a stout defense and a rookie running back, the Carolina Panthers used the same combination to stage a late comeback for an unlikely 2-0 start.

Jonathan Stewart rushed for all but one of his 77 yards in the second half and scored two touchdowns, including the go-ahead TD late in the fourth quarter, and the Panthers stopped the Bears on fourth-and-1 with under 2 minutes left in a 20-17 win Sunday.

The Panthers scored the game's final 17 points, recovering from a mistake-prone first half, behind their improved defense.

Chris Harris' forced fumble against his former team set up a touchdown, and Jake Delhomme engineered his second straight fourth-quarter comeback following his return from elbow surgery.

Without suspended star receiver Steve Smith, the Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak in home openers, a week after they stunned San Diego with a touchdown on the final play.

The Bears (1-1) couldn't build off last week's impressive win in Indianapolis, despite 92 yards rushing from Matt Forte. Kyle Orton didn't have a turnover for a second straight game, but passed for only 149 yards and consistently overthrew receivers. Chicago also lost kick returner Devin Hester to an apparent rib injury in the third quarter.

Stewart's 1-yard TD run with 3:52 left put the Panthers ahead for the first time. Delhomme was 3-for-3 for 43 yards on the drive, which included a bruising 11-yard rush by Stewart.

The 13th pick in the draft, Stewart had only one carry for 1 yard in the first half. But he took over for DeAngelo Williams after halftime, and the Panthers overcame a heat index around 100 degrees with a win that brings more confidence to a team that went 7-9 without the injured Delhomme last season.

A swarming defense led by Na'il Diggs, Julius Peppers and Damione Lewis combined to stop fullback Jason McKie on fourth-and-1 from midfield to end Chicago's hopes.

Delhomme was only 12 of 21 for 128 yards and an interception, but overcame a jarring hit to the head to come alive late for the second straight week.

The Bears seemed to be in control after Charles Tillman intercepted Delhomme's pass that bounced off tight end Jeff King. It quickly led to McKie's 1-yard touchdown run that made it 17-3 early in the third quarter.