Defense steps up for the Bears, but the offense struggles in a 6-3 loss to the Seahawks

 

[December 27, 2024]  By JAY COHEN

CHICAGO (AP) — The defense delivered for the Chicago Bears. It was one of the team's best performances of the season on that side of the ball.

Just not good enough.

“I guess we should have held them to three points or zero points at the end of the day,” safety Kevin Byard said.

Byard and Co. shut down Seattle on Thursday night, limiting Geno Smith and the Seahawks to 265 yards and Jason Myers' two field goals. But Chicago finished with just 179 yards of offense in a 6-3 loss.

The Bears (4-12) became the first NFL team to lose when allowing six points or fewer since the Raiders fell 3-0 loss to the Vikings on Dec. 10, 2023. It was the fourth time in the last 90 seasons that the franchise lost a game when allowing six points or fewer, joining a 6-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Oct. 24, 1999, a 6-3 loss to Denver on Dec. 5, 1971, and a 3-0 loss to the New York Giants on Nov. 17, 1935.

The defense was expected to help carry the team in its first season since it selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. But it had struggled of late, contributing to a 10-game losing streak since a 4-2 start.

Chicago had allowed an average of 31 points and 422.6 yards of offense over its previous five games.

“Our defense has a certain standard, and we've showed it,” defensive back Kyler Gordon said. “Obviously sinking a little bit; just getting back on the guys to obviously get back right. It's just important to know what we can do. Just go in there and execute. We did way better today.”

Gordon made a big play with Chicago trailing 6-3 late in the third quarter, stripping Pharaoh Brown at the end of a 4-yard reception. Gordon emerged from a pile of players with the ball and started running up the field. He was briefly chased by Tyler Lockett, before the receiver turned back in confusion about what had happened.

Chicago Bears linebackers T.J. Edwards (53) and Tremaine Edmunds (49) react after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

It was originally called a 62-yard fumble return for a touchdown, but a replay official ruled Gordon was down at the Chicago 38.

“Apparently someone touched my leg,” Gordon said. “I don't know. They got to show me a replay before I believe it.”

Chicago had one first down before Williams was sacked for a 14-yard loss and the drive stalled.

Seattle had a chance to put the game away in the fourth. Smith passed to DK Metcalf for 23 yards to move the Seahawks out to their own 40. But Smith's third-and-6 pass to Zach Charbonnet gained just 2 yards and Seattle punted the ball back to Chicago with about five minutes left.

The Bears sacked Smith three times, and the Seahawks went 5 for 13 on third down.

“I think we played our brand of ball today,” Byard said. “Guys flew around. Ky got the turnover. Wanted to get a little bit more, but I think we flew around. We played hard. We know we're a resilient group, but I just think that the execution was a lot better.”
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AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

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