The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive with a narrow 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on December 28, 2024, at Lumen Field, following Christmas. The game was marked by tough defensive plays from both teams, resulting in minimal scoring opportunities and showcasing the struggles of the Bears under interim head coach Thomas Brown.
The match was emblematic of two teams fighting through challenging seasons, with the Seahawks managing to scrape by thanks to their defensive prowess and the Bears demonstrating flashes of talent but unable to secure points. The contest featured three field goals and lacked offensive rhythm, highlighted by 13 punts, emphasizing the struggle for both offenses to maintain drives.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who has been under scrutiny throughout the season, completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards, but his performance was marred by his first interception since October 13. Late in the game, Williams came close to leading the Bears to potential scoring opportunities; he connected with wide receiver D.J. Moore on fourth-and-5, reaching the Seahawks' 40-yard line before faltering with the interception.
On the other side, the Seahawks looked to veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards. Yet, his play was largely uninspired; averaging only 5.5 yards per attempt, he struggled to push the ball downfield, reflecting the shortcomings of Seattle's offense. Smith, who had been nursing a knee injury, faced challenges maintaining offensive momentum as the Seahawks attempted to regain their footing after two straight losses.
Despite the lackluster scoring, Benjamin's takeaway pointed to Williams' potential, noting, "Caleb Williams didn't get the 'W,' and he didn't get a ton of help from his staff and blockers, either... but he did make magic out of nothing late in the game." The rookie quarterback was highlighted as the most impressive player on the field, even amid his team's limited scoring output.
Williams' performance sparked discussion about his future, with analysts pointing out the need for improved coaching and offensive line support to maximize his talent. He was shown dodging intense pressure all night and consistently seeking out his receivers, demonstrating both speed and accuracy at key moments. While the Bears were outmatched on the scoreboard, they displayed grit and determination to fight for every yard.
While the Seahawks managed to win, it raises questions about their long-term viability as playoff contenders. Benjamin noted, "A win is a win, to be sure, but their own offensive operation may have had even less juice than Chicago," indicating the fragility of Seattle's current standing. The Seahawks maintained their position at 9-7, but the effort showcased the team is still inconsistent as they continue to vie for playoff positioning.
The upcoming fixtures for both teams could serve as significant benchmarks for evaluating their seasons. The Bears (4-12) are set to conclude their season against the Green Bay Packers (11-4), who won decisively over the New Orleans Saints, aiming to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Bears. The emotional rivalry looms large, as the Packers will aim to solidify their position. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will face the Los Angeles Rams (9-6) for both teams vying for their postseason hopes after the Seahawks’ win kept them alive another week.
Thomas Brown’s coaching tenure continues to be evaluated under tough conditions, as the Bears look to solidify their direction for the future. Though the season has not gone as planned, the potential shines through saw on the field, particularly with Williams guiding the charge. The mix of veteran presence on the other side and young talent showed promise through the puddles of rain, culminating the night with both teams reflecting on their next steps—a vision of hope for some, and perhaps limited possibilities for others.
Looking at the broader picture, the Week 17 matchup may not have turned the tide for either team statistically, but it highlighted the necessity for Chicago's offense to develop under pressure, whereas Seattle fights its way toward remaining relevant as they close out the season. The contrasting trajectories encapsulated the shifts within the NFC, underscoring how every game down the stretch matters more than ever for teams with postseason aspirations.
