Chicago Bears Crush Seahawks, Emerge as NFC Contenders

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Chicago Bears Make a Statement With Dominant Win in Seattle

The Chicago Bears made a major statement by going into one of the most difficult places to play and beating the Seattle Seahawks decisively. Jeffrey Simmons was an absolute force, while the Bears looked like one of the best teams in the NFC.

If Caleb Williams and the rest of the team continue improving, Chicago could become a serious force in the conference and potentially reach the Super Bowl. Williams said the Bears want to be known as a force to be reckoned with and understood that their identity needed to show up against a talented opponent.

Williams has made significant progress after posting a 55% completion percentage a year ago. He is now near 70%, and Ben Johnson deserves credit for changing the culture in Chicago. Taking a team into Seattle and winning in that fashion is a special accomplishment.

Johnson said the Bears entered the game with tremendous respect for their opponent. He praised his players for delivering a physical brand of football, coming out with their hair on fire and maintaining that intensity for 60 minutes. Although the game had ebbs and flows, Chicago continued to respond and rally together.

The victory elevated Chicago alongside the Forty-Niners and Bills as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. With Simmons continuing to improve and Williams playing well, the Bears are producing great football. The major question is whether they can maintain that level of play.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald credited the Bears with winning fairly in all three phases. He acknowledged that Seattle did not do the things required to win and said the team must improve its planning, coaching, preparation and execution.

Macdonald added that Seattle would return to work during a short week. With small margins across the league, failing to execute the details can lead to a game unfolding the way it did against Chicago.

Quarterback Sam Darnold said Seattle struggled to generate momentum offensively. While the Seahawks produced a couple of good drives, he acknowledged missing an opportunity on third down and credited Chicago for executing its plan at a high level.

Darnold said Seattle must review the tape, but he identified first- and second-down efficiency as an important starting point. He also said the Seahawks need to improve on third down and in the red zone moving forward.