The Seattle Seahawks secured a narrow 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, marking one of the most low-scoring games of the NFL season. The match, held at Soldier Field, saw two struggling offenses battle it out under challenging conditions.
The Seahawks, now at 9-7, were fighting for their slim playoff hopes, needing every win as they compete for the NFC West title. Despite their victory, the game was marked by poor performances from both quarterbacks, Caleb Williams of the Bears and Geno Smith of the Seahawks. Neither quarterback could generate any momentum throughout the night, leading observers to question both teams' future plans at the position.
Caleb Williams, the top pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, struggled significantly. He completed only 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards and suffered under heavy pressure, getting sacked seven times. The Bears' offensive woes were glaring as they finished with just 179 total yards and averaged only 3.1 yards per play, failing to convert five of their 15 third-down attempts. This dismal offensive showing was just part of the narrative for Chicago, who now sits at 4-12.
On the other side, Geno Smith's performance did little to instill confidence. Although he was marginally more effective than Williams, Smith's inability to lead his team to touchdowns through the four quarters continued to raise questions about his future with the Seahawks, especially as he approaches age 35. Without any touchdowns, criticism of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb intensified among frustrated fans.
Both defenses fought valiantly, with the Bears’ defense showcasing one of its best performances of the season, holding Seattle to just 12 first downs and 265 total yards. Remarkably, it was the Bears' defense preventing touchdowns and keeping them within reach of victory, but it wasn't enough. The historical significance of the game cannot be overlooked; this was only the third time since 1950 the Bears lost after allowing six points or fewer, dropping their record to 98-3 in such games.
The contest's second half was especially disappointing for fans. A fumble recovery gave the Bears hope, but they could only muster one yard on the ensuing drive before punting again. Chicago's offenses bogged down, resulting in four consecutive punts to start the second half. Williams’ mounting sack total — now 67 on the season — places him fourth on the all-time list for most sacks taken by a rookie QB, underscoring the challenges the young quarterback faces behind a shaky offensive line.
With the clock ticking down and trailing by three, the Bears made their final push. Williams completed some key plays to DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, moving the chains but not without issues. A false start penalty before the two-minute warning hurt their chances, as did poor clock management reminiscent of previous disappointing outings this season. Eventually, the Bears opted to go for it on fourth-and-10, but Williams threw the game-sealing interception to Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen.
The victory, though hard-fought and ugly, allowed Seattle to maintain their slim playoff hopes. Following their tenth consecutive defeat, the Bears now face the risk of ending their season with the longest losing streak recorded by the franchise, which sits at 10. They will need to beat the Green Bay Packers next week to avoid heartbreaking history.
More than just the final score, it was the broader question of team futures hanging over this dismal display. Both franchises must reassess their quarterback situations. The Bears need to identify new coaching staff who can maximize Williams' potential, providing him with the tools and strategies necessary to succeed. The offseason will play host to intense discussions about Chicago's future, as fans look to see if the upper management can make the right adjustments to change the team's fortune moving forward.
Simultaneously, for the Seahawks, the decision about Smith’s future becomes increasingly pressing. Will they look to the draft, free agency, or seek to bolster their offensive line to support their current quarterback? Observing the installments of this matchup provides the Seattle coaching staff with plenty to chew over.
By the time the final whistle blew, it was clear — both teams have significant work to do this offseason. For Bears fans, the possibility of yet another turbulent year looms, whereas Seahawk supporters aspire for continued improvement and playoff contention.
