Seahawks Drop 34-17 to Bears After Two-Year Streak
Defending Super Bowl champions fall to 4-4 after allowing 34 points, snapping a 30-game run without a blowout loss.
By Takeshi Faure ·
The Seattle Seahawks lost by 17 points on Monday night, their first double-digit defeat in nearly two years. The 34-17 scoreline snapped a 30-game streak in which the team had not lost by more than four points. That previous margin of victory stood since a 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in December 2024.
The result leaves the defending Super Bowl champions with a 4-4 record. Coach Mike Macdonald described the team's current state as one with a high sense of urgency to improve. The offense managed only 252 total yards and converted just one of 11 third-down attempts. Quarterback Sam Darnold said the issue starts with efficiency on first and second downs.
Changes to the offensive line contributed to the disconnect. Seattle acquired three-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts last week. Running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet also returned from injury. However, tackle Charles Cross was out with an injury. Macdonald noted the team came off a 20-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs feeling good, but the new lineup looked out of sync against Chicago's defense.
The Bears' defense capitalized on the chaos. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, acquired by Chicago last week, recorded a sack, a tackle for loss, six total tackles, and a pass defensed. Darnold was sacked three times. He completed 17 of 34 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns but threw an interception that set up a late scoring drive.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba remained the Seahawks' most effective playmaker. The reigning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year caught six passes for 118 yards. His total includes a 43-yard touchdown that extended the lead late in the first half. Through eight weeks, Smith-Njigba leads the league with 985 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He surpassed 100 receiving yards for the seventh time this season.
The running game failed to provide balance. Price and Charbonnet combined for 52 yards on 16 carries. Guard Grey Zabel, who moved from left to right guard after Nelson's arrival, said the team must improve quickly to take pressure off the quarterback and receivers. Kicker Jason Myers also missed two kicks, including a blocked 33-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.
Leonard Williams suffered a stinger in the fourth quarter and did not return to the game. Darnold noted that this is only the third time since last season that the Seahawks lost a game when he threw one or fewer turnovers. He leads the league with 29 turnovers this season.
The Seahawks host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Cardinals currently hold a 3-5 record.
