Chicago, IL – In a tightly contested matchup at Soldier Field, the Seattle Seahawks secured a narrow 6-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football, December 26, 2024. The defensive battle highlighted the Seahawks’ playoff ambitions while exposing the Bears’ ongoing struggles in a challenging season.
Game Summary
The game was a defensive showcase, with both offenses struggling to find momentum. The Seahawks relied on two field goals from kicker Jason Myers, while their defense held the Bears to just 179 total yards. The Bears’ only points came from a field goal in the second quarter.
Seattle’s defense dominated the night, recording seven sacks on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and forcing a crucial interception in the final minutes to seal the victory.
Key Performances
- Leonard Williams & Jarran Reed (Seahawks): Anchored Seattle’s defensive line, each contributing multiple sacks and consistent pressure on the Bears’ offense.
- Jason Myers (Seahawks): Delivered two clutch field goals, proving to be the difference-maker in the low-scoring affair.
- Caleb Williams (Bears): Completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards but struggled under relentless pressure, leading to critical mistakes.
Coaching Decisions Under Fire
Interim Bears coach Thomas Brown faced criticism for his timeout management and conservative play-calling, particularly for passing up a potential 57-yard field goal attempt that could have tied the game in the final quarter.
Brown defended his decisions post-game, stating:
“We believed in our defense and the ability to get the ball back, but it didn’t go our way.”
Implications for the Season
- Seattle Seahawks: Improved to 9-7, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they chase the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams. The win positions them as serious contenders for a wildcard spot, depending on results in the final week of the season.
- Chicago Bears: Dropped to 4-12, tying their franchise record for the longest losing streak with ten consecutive losses. With just one game remaining, the Bears face significant offseason decisions regarding their coaching staff and roster.
Fan and Media Reactions
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with Seahawks supporters celebrating the crucial win while Bears fans voiced frustration over their team’s lackluster performance. Social media was also abuzz with post-game coverage, including an entertaining ice bath challenge between NFL analysts Richard Sherman and Ryan Fitzpatrick, which garnered significant attention.
Looking Ahead
- Seattle Seahawks: Will prepare for a high-stakes showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, a game that could determine their playoff fate.
- Chicago Bears: Face division rivals Green Bay Packers in their season finale, aiming to end the season on a positive note and snap their losing streak.
