CHICAGO -- The Seattle Seahawks kept their playoff hopes alive, defeating the Chicago Bears 6-3 on Thursday night at Soldier Field. This victory marked the Bears' tenth consecutive loss, extending their miserable streak as they struggled to regain footing after coaching changes mid-season.
The game was marked by defensive battles and missed scoring opportunities. Jason Myers put the Seahawks on the board early with a 27-yard field goal, and later added another from 50 yards just before halftime. The Bears managed to tie the game 3-3 with Cairo Santos' 42-yard kick, but their offense couldn't find the end zone, leading to the disappointing outcome.
Despite the defensive prowess shown by both teams, it was the interception by Riq Woolen late in the game which sealed Seattle's victory. Woolen's interception of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams ended Williams' impressive NFL rookie record of 353 passes without an interception.
Seattle quarterback Geno Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards, overshadowed by the Bears' offensive woes. The Seahawks' defense, meanwhile, sacked Williams multiple times, showcasing their dominance throughout the match. The Bears' offensive line struggled mightily, allowing their quarterback to be sacked 67 times this season—breaking their previous franchise record.
The loss was particularly painful for the Bears, who have faced difficulties since firing their previous head coach, Matt Eberflus, after a disastrous season. Interim coach Thomas Brown has yet to turn things around, leading to several frustrated fans who chanted, "Sell the team!" as the game wound down.
From the start, it was evident the Bears were not on solid ground. Their first offensive possession ended with a three-and-out, continuing the offensive difficulties they've shown throughout the season, managing only 20 points over their last three games. The Bears had featured some promising plays but simply could not sustain drives long enough to put points on the board consistently.
Post-game, players reflected on the morale of the team, with tight end Cole Kmet expressing relief at the prospect of finally snapping the losing streak: "It would just be good for morale. Obviously, it doesn’t mean much for playoffs or anything like it, but just good for morale." The fans, who have endured this painful season alongside the team, are also yearning for any semblance of hope as they face the remaining games.
For the Seahawks, the victory was not just important for the standings but also provided encouragement after losing their previous two games against the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the necessity of the win, stating, "The destiny’s out of our hands right now. That stings, but we’ve got a lot to play for, still.” Seattle now trails the NFC West-leading Rams by just one game.
The Bears are now set to take on the Green Bay Packers next week, hoping against hope they can break this unbearable streak. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will face the Los Angeles Rams, needing to keep winning to maintain their playoff hopes.
This game, though just another loss for Chicago, encapsulates the frustration and challenges faced by the team. The Bears' fans are left wondering what changes lie ahead as they transition toward the next season, hoping fervently for improvement amid the chaos.
