The Seattle Seahawks’ defense found itself at the center of intense criticism following their disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. In a game that many expected to be a bounce-back opportunity after a slow start to the season, the Seahawks’ defensive unit was utterly exposed, allowing the Bears to put together a dominant offensive showing in a 31-14 victory. It was a performance that raised questions about the defense’s cohesion, execution, and overall talent, leading many to wonder if major changes are needed as the Seahawks try to salvage their season.
A Nightmare Performance
For much of the game, the Seahawks’ defense appeared overmatched. Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who had struggled earlier in the season, enjoyed one of his best performances of the year, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 50 rushing yards. His ability to extend plays with his legs kept the Seahawks’ defense on its heels throughout the contest, as Seattle’s defenders failed to contain him in the pocket.
The Seahawks’ pass rush, which had been one of the team’s stronger aspects in previous seasons, was virtually nonexistent against the Bears’ offensive line. Fields had ample time to survey the field and find open receivers, contributing to his efficiency. The Seahawks’ secondary, which had been criticized for its inconsistent play this season, was often caught out of position, giving up big plays and failing to make timely stops.
But it wasn’t just Fields who had success. Bears running back Khalil Herbert also had an efficient night, rushing for 85 yards and a touchdown. While the Seahawks’ run defense had been a strong point in past years, they couldn’t seem to get a handle on Chicago’s ground game, which moved the ball with ease for much of the game.
Seattle’s defense failed to create turnovers—an area where they had hoped to improve this season—adding to the frustration for coaches, players, and fans alike. In a game that called for a defensive spark to keep the team in the contest, the Seahawks’ defense instead wilted under the pressure, allowing the Bears to control the game from start to finish.
DK Metcalf Speaks Out
After the game, Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, who had been frustrated by his team’s overall performance, took to the media to address the loss. While Metcalf himself had a solid outing, finishing with 7 catches for 91 yards, he made it clear that the team’s defensive struggles were a major source of concern.
“We didn’t do enough on offense or defense tonight,” Metcalf said in his post-game interview. “It’s not just about one unit. We all need to be better. We need to execute, especially on defense, and that starts with us as players looking at ourselves in the mirror. We have the talent to be a top defense, but right now, we’re not playing like it.”
Metcalf’s words were a rare display of accountability and leadership from a player known more for his on-field explosiveness than his vocal leadership. His comments underscored the frustration felt within the team after what many considered a humiliating loss.
The Seahawks’ defensive struggles have been evident for much of the season, but the Bears’ game highlighted just how far the defense has fallen. When asked about the lack of pass rush and missed tackles, defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt acknowledged the issues but insisted the team was working hard to correct them.
“At the end of the day, we’re just not executing,” Hurtt said. “We’re missing opportunities, and we’re not making plays when they’re there to be made. It’s a collective issue. We need to get back to the fundamentals and get back to playing Seahawks football.”
Defensive Line Concerns
One of the biggest areas of concern for the Seahawks in this game was the performance of their defensive line. Despite having several key players like defensive ends Uchenna Nwosu and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the line failed to generate any consistent pressure on Fields. The Bears’ offensive line, which had been one of the more maligned units in the NFL, was able to keep Seattle’s pass rush at bay for most of the night.
For a defense that prides itself on a disruptive pass rush, the lack of pressure on a quarterback as mobile as Fields was alarming. The inability to break through and force Fields into mistakes kept Chicago’s offense in rhythm, and without pressure, Fields had all the time in the world to make plays.
In previous seasons, Seattle’s defense had relied on its ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks with a combination of speed and power on the defensive line. However, this season, the lack of consistent pressure has been one of the primary reasons why the Seahawks’ defense has underperformed. The failure to get to Fields and force hurried throws allowed the Bears to stay balanced on offense, which ultimately led to Seattle’s demise.
Secondary Struggles
Another major issue for the Seahawks in the Bears game was their secondary, which has been inconsistent all year. Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, who have shown flashes of potential, were often caught out of position or unable to cover Bears receivers effectively. Fields was able to find open targets with ease, and when he did throw the ball, he was often met with little to no resistance from Seattle’s defensive backs.
One of the most glaring examples of Seattle’s secondary struggles came when Fields connected with tight end Cole Kmet for a 35-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Kmet found a soft spot in the zone coverage, and Fields delivered a perfect throw. While Kmet made an excellent play, the defensive breakdown was a clear indicator that the Seahawks’ secondary was not on the same page.
While the Seahawks have some talented pieces in the secondary, such as Woolen and safety Quandre Diggs, their inability to consistently cover opposing receivers has become a significant liability. Defensive backs coach Carl Scott will have to find a way to address these issues quickly, or the Seahawks will continue to be vulnerable to big plays through the air.
Looking Ahead
With their playoff hopes on the line, the Seahawks will need to regroup quickly. Head coach Pete Carroll, known for his ability to motivate his players, will need to find a way to get his defense back on track. The good news is that the Seahawks’ offense, led by quarterback Geno Smith, remains potent, and with stars like Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, the team can still put up points. However, without a significant improvement on the defensive side of the ball, it’s difficult to see Seattle being able to compete with some of the league’s top teams.
As the Seahawks prepare for their next matchup, the focus will be on fixing the holes in their defense. Carroll and Hurtt will need to find ways to get more pressure on the quarterback, improve coverage in the secondary, and eliminate the missed tackles that have plagued the team all season.
It remains to be seen if the Seahawks can turn things around, but one thing is clear: if they want to remain relevant in the NFC playoff race, their defense must step up. The time for accountability and improvement is now, and the Seahawks’ defense will have to prove they can rise to the challenge if they hope to compete in the postseason.
