Week 17 Recap: Chicago Bears Tie Franchise Record with 10th Straight Loss in 6-3 Defeat to Seattle Seahawks
In a game marked by sloppy play and missed opportunities, the Chicago Bears suffered their 10th consecutive loss, tying a franchise record in a 6-3 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. This low-scoring affair, played in cold and dreary conditions, encapsulated the frustrations of the Bears’ season, as they struggled to generate offense and failed to capitalize on a solid defensive effort.
Offensive Struggles Persist
The Bears’ offense, once again, was the primary culprit in their continued losing streak. Quarterback Justin Fields returned after a minor injury but failed to spark the unit, completing just 14 of 28 passes for 132 yards. The offensive line struggled to provide protection, allowing four sacks and limiting the time Fields had to make plays. On the ground, Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman combined for only 68 rushing yards, as the Seahawks’ front seven consistently won the battle at the line of scrimmage.
The lone bright spot on offense was tight end Cole Kmet, who hauled in five receptions for 42 yards. However, the Bears were unable to sustain drives, converting just 3 of 12 third downs and repeatedly stalling in Seahawks territory. Their only points came on a 47-yard field goal by Cairo Santos midway through the second quarter.
A Defensive Effort Wasted
Chicago’s defense, which has faced criticism for its inconsistencies this season, turned in a commendable performance. The unit limited Seattle to just two field goals and 245 total yards. Rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn continued his strong play, recording 10 tackles and a crucial third-down stop in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the secondary, led by Jaylon Johnson, largely neutralized Seattle’s top receiver DK Metcalf, holding him to four catches for 38 yards.
Despite their efforts, the defense was left on the field for far too long. Seattle controlled the time of possession, keeping the Bears’ defense on the field for over 33 minutes. This eventually took its toll, as the Seahawks managed a 51-yard field goal by Jason Myers in the fourth quarter to take the lead for good.
Historical Perspective
The loss ties the Bears’ franchise record for consecutive defeats, a dubious mark previously set during the 1978 season. The streak underscores the systemic issues plaguing the team, from inconsistent quarterback play and an ineffective offensive scheme to a lack of depth and talent on both sides of the ball.
For a storied franchise with a rich history, the current losing streak is a harsh reminder of how far the team has fallen from contention. With a 3-13 record, the Bears are poised for a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but questions linger about the organization’s direction.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears head into the final week of the season, the focus shifts to the future. Head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles will face mounting pressure to provide a clear plan for rebuilding the roster. Decisions regarding Fields’ development, potential free-agent signings, and the draft will shape the team’s trajectory in the coming years.
For now, Bears fans can only hope that the painful lessons of this season will serve as a catalyst for change. With one game left, the team has one final opportunity to avoid setting a new low in franchise history—but optimism is in short supply.
