Stewart, defense lead Panthers over Bears 20-17

[September 15, 2008]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- 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.

[Associated Press; By MIKE CRANSTON]

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