Johnson's strip-sack

The setup: Bears faced a third-and-21 from their 32, 43 seconds left in first quarter.

What happened: Defensive end Charles Johnson came free from Jay Cutler's blind side, hit him and stripped him of the ball. Rookie defensive end Frank Alexander recovered at the Bears' 16.

Why it mattered: Three plays later – on third-and-3 – quarterback Cam Newton scrambled and was headed for the end zone when safety Major Wright dislodged the ball. But wideout Louis Murphy fell on the fumble in the end zone for a TD and a 10-7 lead for the Panthers.

Newton's interception

The setup: Panthers' ball, second-and-6 from the Chicago 40, 47 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

What happened: With former Panthers DE Julius Peppers applying pressure, Newton heaved the ball toward TE Greg Olsen along the sideline to avoid the sack. But the pass floated, and cornerback Tim Jennings dived and picked it off.

Why it mattered: The Panthers had driven from their 15 into Bears' territory and were trying to add to their 13-7 lead. Though Carolina got the ball back before the end of the half, Newton's interception was a bad decision and potentially cost the Panthers points.

Newton's throw from the end zone

The setup: Panthers' ball, first-and-10 from their 6, 13:19 remaining in the third quarter.

What happened: Backed up near their goal line on their first drive of the second half, offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski called for a play-action pass. Throwing from his end zone, Newton hit a wide-open Steve Smith for 18 yards and a first down.

Why it mattered: The throw got the Panthers out of their field-position hole and set the tone for a 12-play, 90-yard drive that culminated with Justin Medlock's 22-yard field goal, which gave the Panthers a 16-7 lead.

Nortman's shank

The setup: Panthers faced a fourth-and-1 from their 32, 10:24 remaining in the fourth quarter.

What happened: Directional punting away from Devin Hester, Brad Nortman shanked one off the side of his foot toward the right sideline. The punt covered 6 yards, giving the Bears possession at the Carolina 38.

Why it mattered: The Bears took advantage of the short field, with Cutler hitting Kellen Davis for a 12-yard touchdown pass to pull Chicago to within 19-14 with 6:52 remaining.

Smith's slip

The setup: Panthers took over after the Davis touchdown at their 20, 6:52 left in the fourth quarter.

What happened: Newton threw to the left sideline for Smith, who slipped to the ground coming out of his break. Jennings pulled in the pass and ran in untouched for a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Why it mattered: Jennings' pick-six was the Bears' second touchdown in an 8-second span, allowing them to erase and 12-point deficit and take a 20-19 lead.

Joseph Person