On Thursday night, December 26, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks achieved a narrow 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, marking the conclusion of the Week 17 matchup of the 2024 NFL season. This significant win not only kept the Seahawks' slim playoff hopes alive but also highlighted the continuing struggle of the Bears, who now face their tenth consecutive defeat.
The game, dubbed the lowest-scoring encounter of the season, was characterized by stout defensive performances, particularly by the Seahawks. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears' rookie sensation, had a night to forget amid relentless pressure from the opposing defense, resulting in him being sacked seven times.
Williams, who had previously thrown for over 330 yards against the Detroit Lions just days earlier, struggled to find his rhythm, completing 16 of 28 passes for only 122 yards with one interception. The Bears' inability to score touchdowns has been emblematic of their offensive woes throughout the season. Williams expressed frustration after the game, saying, "We just couldn’t get anything going all night," as reported by ChicagoBears.com.
Adding to Williams's difficulties, he faced intense scrutiny as he approached the unfortunate record for the most sacks taken by a quarterback in one season. With Thursday's game added to his tally, Williams has now been sacked 67 times—just nine short of the infamous mark set by David Carr with 76 sacks back in 2022. This season-long struggle has undoubtedly contributed to the Bears' inability to secure victories.
The Seahawks’ defense, spearheaded by key players like Riq Woolen, who nabbed the game-sealing interception, and Leonard Williams with notable defensive statistics, played a pivotal role. The defensive unity and pressure applied to Williams were implemented effectively, forcing him to make rushed decisions. "We knew we had to pressure him and make plays on defense," one Seahawks linebacker said, emphasizing their game plan.
The game atmosphere was electric, yet problematic for Bears fans, who braved rainy conditions as they watched their team struggle on offense. Their frustration boiled over as the Bears managed only three points, exemplifying what has been characterized as inconsistent and lacking offensive identity throughout the season. Following the game, Williams stated, "It was tough not being able to find the end zone, but we have to keep our heads up moving forward," implying there must be improvement.
With this loss, the Bears are set to face their final regular season game against the Green Bay Packers. That matchup is potentially their last opportunity to avoid the embarrassment of finishing the season with eleven consecutive losses—a feat they have not recorded since the 1970 NFL merger.
On the other hand, the Seahawks celebrated as kicker Jason Myers successfully converted his field-goal attempts, including one from 50 yards, to score all of Seattle's points. This pivotal kick ended up being the deciding factor for the Seahawks, showcasing how special teams continue to play significant roles even amid offensive struggles.
The aftermath of the game reveals the significant impact on both teams moving forward. The Seahawks, now methodically eyeing the playoffs, have managed to retain some momentum, albeit amid numerous challenges, contrasting sharply with the Bears, mired deep in their losing streak and facing tumultuous discussions about the future of their roster and coaching staff.
