CHICAGO (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks boosted their playoff hopes with a nail-biting 6-3 victory over the struggling Chicago Bears on Thursday night, extending Chicago's losing streak to ten games. This low-scoring matchup tied for the lowest total score recorded this NFL season, showcasing dominant defensive performances from both sides, but particularly from the Seahawks.
Jason Myers put the Seahawks (9-7) on the board first with a 27-yard field goal on their opening drive. He added another clutch 50-yarder shortly before halftime, giving Seattle a 6-3 lead at the break. The standout moment of the game, though, came from cornerback Riq Woolen, who sealed the win with an interception of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams just 20 seconds from the end of regulation.
Williams' interception ended his remarkable record of 353 consecutive pass attempts without one, highlighting the challenging night for the Bears, who fell to 4-12. With this loss, they now have two losing streaks of ten games or more during general manager Ryan Poles' tenure. The Bears struggled offensively, and their offensive line, already undermanned, allowed seven sacks, two of which were charged to defensive end Leonard Williams.
Throughout the night, the Seahawks’ defense was relentless. Jarran Reed, alongside Leonard Williams, contributed significantly, with Reed celebrating his sack with Michael Bennett-style hip pumps. The Seahawks defense declared early on, "It’s on us" to carry the game and keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Seattle's offense was far from perfect, with quarterback Geno Smith throwing for only 160 yards on 17 completions out of 23 attempts. Most of his passes were short, and drive consistency was lacking. The Seahawks did not record any touchdowns during the game, relying solely on the leg of Myers to score. Smith noted, "It’s not always going to be sunshine and rainbows, man" when reflecting on the team’s performance post-game.
For the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams faced immense pressure from the Seahawks defense, completing 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards. His inability to find the end zone was emblematic of the team's struggles throughout the season as they let opportunities slip away. Despite some moments of resistance, including converting on fourth-and-six late in the game, they were unable to capitalize when it mattered most.
After tying the game at 3-3 courtesy of Cairo Santos’ 42-yard kick, the Bears believed they had taken the lead with what appeared to be a fumble return for touchdown. Tight end Pharaoh Brown, after making a short reception, had appeared to fumble the ball, allowing Chicago's Kyler Gordon to sprint down the field. Yet, after review, the play was overruled, maintaining Seattle's slim lead; Brown’s leg had touched Gordon during the play, declaring him down by contact.
With the clock winding down, the Bears looked to mount one last effort to claim victory. Williams connected with DK Moore for a first down near midfield, but disaster struck just moments later as he fumbled the snap. The situation deteriorated when Williams found himself under pressure from Leonard Williams, resulting in Seattle possession after the sack.
Despite the victory, the Seahawks faced their own injury challenges, announcing earlier the placing of lead running back Kenneth Walker on injured reserve, leaving them with uncertainty about their ground game. They managed to rush for just 53 yards on the opening drive, courtesy of Zach Charbonnet and third-back Kenny McIntosh, who accounted for the majority of those yards.
Defensively, cornerback Devon Witherspoon remained impressive, demonstrating his skills as he made three tackles for loss and got credited for his first sack of the season when he pressured Williams out of bounds. The Seahawks' defensive strategy, orchestrated by rookie head coach Mike Macdonald, was pivotal as they executed several blitzes throughout the game.
Looking forward, Seattle remains hopeful for the playoff picture. They have two remaining games, including their enticing matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who are leading the NFC West. A win there, combined with help from other teams, could still see them competing for the playoffs as the season draws to its conclusion.
Meanwhile, the Bears, now under interim coach Thomas Brown after firing Matt Eberflus, are searching for answers to turn their season around as they prepare for their next contest against the Green Bay Packers.
