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Chicago Bears facing much tougher defense in Carolina

After running through a solid Ravens defense for 231 yards, the Bears face a Panthers defense that is No. 4 in total yards allowed and much stronger vs. the run than Baltimore.

"Their front seven's really good," Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "We've had challenging defenses, so it's been awesome to see how our guys respond that way." The heart of the Carolina defense are veteran linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. But Kuechly is in the concussion protocol for the third time in three years and won't play. He missed nine games in the previous two seasons with concussions. He'll be missed. "Keuchly's a really good player, as smart as anyone in the NFL," Loggains said. "When you're watching the Detroit game, (quarterback Matthew) Stafford checks, (Kuechly) checks (to counter), and he's pointing out where everyone's going.

Up front, the Panthers have former first-round pick Star Lotulelei and former second-rounder Kawann Short at the tackles. Defensive end Mario Addison led the team with 9½ sacks last year, and ageless Julius Peppers (37) already has 6½ sacks as a pass-rush specialist this year.

Peppers was the Panthers' first-round pick in 2002, played for the Bears from 2010-13 and had 37½ sacks in four years. Then he played three years for the Packers (25 sacks) before returning to Carolina this year. His 150 career sacks are the fifth most in NFL history.

"They've drafted really well," Loggains said. "The corner, (No.) 24 (James Bradberry) is a really good player. They've put a good roster together."

Bradberry was a second-round pick last year, and strong-side linebacker Shaq Thompson was a first-round pick in 2015.

Blast from the past:

Bears head coach John Fox held the same title for nine years (2002-10) with Carolina, guiding the Panthers to a 73-71 record, three playoff berths and one Super Bowl appearance.

"Very fond memories," Fox said. "We were in the Super Bowl in '03, ended up losing to the New England Patriots. I was around great people, both in the organization, in the community, not to mention all the great players we had that were really good dudes that I still stay in touch with and that were part of those winning seasons and the success we had."

Several players who starred for Fox are still with the Panthers, including defensive end Julius Peppers, center Ryan Kalil, linebacker Thomas Davis and running back Jonathan Stewart.

"We drafted all those guys," Fox said. "It's easy to see why they've got a strong culture in their locker room, and those are some tremendous guys."

The winner is:

Teammates elected guard Kyle Long the Bears' 2017 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award Friday based on his comeback from last season's gruesome ankle injury that required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation.

The award is given each year to the player that best displays professionalism, great strength and dedication and is also a community role model.

"It's a prestigious honor," coach John Fox said. "It does exemplify courage and coming from some of the injuries, especially the one Kyle had, took a lot of rehab and a lot of faith and patience to get that done. I know the team is excited for him. He was excited to be at the conclusion of that injury."

Long missed all of training camp, the preseason and the first two regular-season games, but he has started the past four.

Injury report:

Wide receiver Markus Wheaton (groin) did not practice and is out for Sunday.

Cornerback Sherrick McManis (hamstring) and linebacker John Timu (ankle/knee) did not practice and are doubtful. Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (chest), center Hroniss Grasu (hand) and running back Benny Cunningham (hamstring) are all questionable. Kwiatkoski and Cunningham had full participation, while Grasu was limited.

For the Panthers, Pro Bowl middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion) is out. Four other starters are questionable: wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (knee), center Ryan Kalil (neck), safety Kurt Coleman (knee) and defensive end Charles Johnson (groin).

• Follow Bob's Bears reports on Twitter @BobLeGere.

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