Making the Grade: Assessing Bears’ Players, Coaches in Loss to Seahawks
Quarterback — F
Caleb Williams had a tough outing, completing 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and seven sacks. He was hurt by third-down drops by Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze early in the game. Despite this, Williams showed some flashes of brilliance, particularly on short passes. He connected with D’Andre Swift for a 24-yard gain and DJ Moore for an 18-yard gain, and also threw a 16-yard pass to Allen off a grounded shotgun snap. However, his best throw, a 17-yard touchdown pass to Odunze, was nullified by a holding penalty.
Offensive Line — F
The Bears’ offensive line struggled to protect Williams, allowing seven sacks. Rookie Kiran Amegadjie was active, but veteran Larry Borom started at left tackle in place of injured Braxton Jones. Borom gave up a 14-yard sack to Uchenna Nwosu late in the third quarter, and the line also committed a holding penalty that nullified a 17-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Odunze. Jake Curhan, who started at left guard in place of injured Teven Jenkins, also had a false start on fourth-and-one with 2:14 left in the game.
Defensive Line — A
The Bears’ defensive line played well, particularly after a tough start. Montez Sweat and Byron Cowart each recorded a sack, and Jacob Martin batted down a pass to force the Seahawks to settle for a 50-yard field goal. Darrell Taylor also strip-sacked Geno Smith in the third quarter, although the Seahawks recovered the fumble.
Secondary — A
The Bears’ secondary was solid, with Kyler Gordon forcing a fumble and recovering it in the third quarter. He returned the fumble 62 yards for an apparent touchdown, although it was ruled down where he recovered the ball. Gordon also broke up a pass on third-and-two that forced a punt. Tyrique Stevenson did a good job of not reacting to DK Metcalf’s facemask and head-butting him, which drew two personal-foul penalties.
Special Teams — B
Gunner Tyler Scott made a big play on special teams, tackling Jaelon Darden at the Seahawks’ 5-yard line on a punt return in the first quarter. Tory Taylor had a 46.7-yard net average and put five of seven punts inside the 20. Cairo Santos kicked a 42-yard field goal.
Conclusion
The Bears’ loss to the Seahawks was a tough one, but there were some bright spots on both sides of the ball. The defensive line played well, and the secondary was solid. However, the offense struggled to move the ball, and the special teams unit had some issues. The Bears will look to regroup and improve in their next game.
FAQs
Q: Who started at left tackle for the Bears?
A: Larry Borom started at left tackle in place of injured Braxton Jones.
Q: Who started at left guard for the Bears?
A: Jake Curhan started at left guard in place of injured Teven Jenkins.
Q: Who had a big play on special teams for the Bears?
A: Gunner Tyler Scott made a big tackle on a punt return in the first quarter.
Q: Who kicked a field goal for the Bears?
A: Cairo Santos kicked a 42-yard field goal.
