The Chicago Bears lost 6-3 to the Seattle Seahawks in a snoozefest on Thursday Night Football. It was Chicago’s 10th straight loss, as the franchise has not won since early October.
Caleb Williams made some big plays late in the fourth quarter on fourth and third downs to keep the game alive, but he was ultimately let down by his offensive line. The rookie quarterback was blitzed and was forced to throw the ball without any control, which turned into an interception that sealed the game for the Seahawks
Bears Fans Call Out Offensive Line After Loss on TNF
The Bears’ fans were quite upset with how their offensive line has played throughout the 2024 NFL season, especially on Thursday Night Football against the Seahawks in Week 17. Williams was sacked seven times by the Seahawks’ defense, and his season tally is now up to 67 sacks, with one more game left in the season to play.
For comparison, Bryce Young was sacked 62 times in his rookie season, and everybody knows how badly the Panthers organization was criticized for it.
Here’s how fans reacted to the loss against the Seahawks:
If im Chicago, im investing in a line next year HEAVY.
Caleb can't throw from his back.
— Funky (@FunkyDncOnion) December 27, 2024
The offensive line for the Bears is absolutely horrendous.
Caleb Williams had about .25 seconds to throw from the snap.
— Hoody (@TheHoody27) December 27, 2024
“This entire Bears offensive line should be cut… Pure f***ing garbage!” wrote a fan.
Another fan added, “The Bears can’t protect Caleb Williams at all. The offensive line has to be their primary focus in the offseason.”
That had to have been the most pathetic display of offensive line play I've ever seen. Atta way #Bears
— Jordan Gagg | @kingoclubs33.bsky.social (@KingOClubs33) December 27, 2024
“Offense starts with an offensive line, and unless the Bears get one, they will continue to suck and ruin another QB. Ball in your court, Ryan Poles,” said a fan.
“The Bears offensive line is atrocious, and that interception is pretty much on them,” said another fan.
Get rid of the entire Bears offensive line
— Wes (@IDontWantThisOk) December 27, 2024
The interception against the Seahawks was Williams’ first since Week 6’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has protected the ball quite well, but that hasn’t resulted in the team’s success.
Williams hasn’t had an awful rookie season, but there are areas he has to improve on to succeed in the league. None of that will happen playing behind an offensive line like the Bears’, which has consistently failed the quarterback and other skill position players.
Ryan Poles Needs a Big Offseason To Prove His Worth
The problems on the Bears are quite evident: it’s the coaching staff and the offensive line. Chicago’s general manager Poles is under pressure to deliver in the offseason, as the team is 14-36 since he took charge.
Recent reports have suggested that Pete Carroll is a candidate for the Bears head coaching job, but that might not be an ideal option for the team. Poles and the Bears ownership should go all in on Ben Johnson, who is reportedly interested in becoming the head coach in Chicago.
Getting the right head coach for Williams is crucial for Poles, as he could lose his job if the team doesn’t play well next year. Moreover, based on their record, the Bears will likely end up with one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFC North franchise will be in a position to improve the offensive line through the draft as offensive tackles like Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. and Michigan’s Will Campbell will be available for them. The Bears could also pursue a free agent like Kansas City Chiefs’ star right guard Trey Smith, who is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the league.
Poles did well in generating belief among the fans about the Bears, but now it’s time for him to get a coach who can bring the best out of the talented players on their team.
