CHICAGO (AP) — Riq Woolen intercepted Caleb Williams’ late pass to boost the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff hopes, narrowly defeating the Chicago Bears 6-3 on Thursday night as the Bears extended their losing streak to 10 consecutive games.
Jason Myers started the scoring with field goals on the game’s opening possession and late in the second quarter. Woolen’s interception of a deep pass intended for Keenan Allen at the Seattle 22 halted Williams’ impressive streak of 353 passes without an interception, setting a new NFL rookie record.
Geno Smith threw for 160 yards, guiding the Seahawks to a crucial win after losing two consecutive games. The Seattle team, now 9-7, remains in the hunt for a playoff spot, trailing the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams by one game with two games left in the regular season. Leonard Williams played a key role with two of Seattle’s seven sacks against the Bears.
Chicago, now 4-12, has experienced two double-digit losing streaks during general manager Ryan Poles’ tenure. This 10-game skid follows a franchise-worst 14-game losing streak that spanned into the 2023 season. Frustration was palpable among Bears fans, who chanted “Sell the team!” as the game neared its end.
Caleb Williams, under intense pressure, extended his NFL-leading sack total to 67, setting an individual franchise record. The Bears’ offensive struggles were evident, breaking their previous record of 66 sacks allowed in 2004 when they cycled through four quarterbacks.
Smith’s efficient performance, completing 17 of 23 passes, contributed to the Seahawks’ road success, improving their record to 6-1 away from home. Noah Fant made key receptions for 43 yards, while Zach Charbonnet added 57 rushing yards to support the Seattle offense.
Chicago, now 0-4 under interim coach Thomas Brown following Matt Eberflus’ dismissal, continues to search for answers as they head into the final stretch of the season. Williams’ passing game was limited to 122 yards on 16 of 28 attempts, a stark contrast to his previous week’s performance against the Detroit Lions.
Myers’ field goals bookended the first half, with a 27-yarder to open the scoring and a clutch 50-yarder just before halftime to give the Seahawks a 6-3 advantage heading into the break.
Injuries impacted both teams, with Seattle placing running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve due to an ankle injury suffered in the previous game against Minnesota. Cornerback Josh Jobe also sustained a knee injury during the game.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks will face the Los Angeles Rams next week, while the Bears are set to take on the Green Bay Packers in their upcoming matchup.
