Here it is, the Seattle Seahawks are in do or die mode. They simply must need to find a way to defeat the Chicago Bears tonight on Thursday Night Football in order to stay alive. A victory itself won't save them, but a loss will be close to eliminating them. They will be kicking off tonight at 5:15 pm Pacific Standard Time on Amazon Prime.
Of course, it is time for another edition of Behind Enemy Lines. We spoke with Mike Pendleton, a contributor at Bears Wire, to get his take on this Chicago team. Our questions and his answers are below.
No. 1 - The Bears entered into this season with a fair amount of optimism, but it has gone up in smoke. What in particular has been the most disappointing aspect of the 2024 campaign?
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) tackles Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
I think the most disappointing part of the season has been the first half failures. The Bears continuously played from behind this season and that created a narrative that Caleb Williams is not a good quarterback. Not only do I think the Bears will prove to be a legitimate contender next year but Caleb Williams will look the part of a franchise quarterback, as long as they can play a completely four quarters of football
No. 2 - How would you assess rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' season?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears is grabbed by Ifeatu Melifonwu #6 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
As mentioned above, I'd say he has had his moments of greatness but they're always happening in garbage time. The streak without throwing an interception has been fun but wins matter most. I've heard many say that they're take less stats and more wins. But I'd rather the stats show his potential in a very disappointing season.
No. 3 - Is there a Bear non-Chicago fans should know about going into this game?
Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch over Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Although it's late in the season, I think rookie Rome Odunze deserves more credit. The Bears have a similar WR group to Seattle (Metcalf, JSN, and Lockett) and I think Odunze has been undervalued in his first year at the NFL level.
No. 4 - What do you make of the reports former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is interested in the Bears job? Do you want him?
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (left) greets New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) before Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hard pass. No thank you. Carroll's got interest and that's great, but Bill Belichick reportedly did too. My issue is that the Bears need someone who not only understands the franchise history but how times have changed in today's football. I think if it's not Mike Vrabel or Ben Johnson, then I will be highly disappointed with the team's coaching search.
No. 5 - Who do you think wins and why?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball as Pat O'Connor #95 of the Detroit Lions pursues during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
I know Seattle is the better team. I know Seattle has more to play for. And I know Chicago has been extremely awful during this nine-game losing streak, but I believe it has to end eventually. Doesn't it? I think so. I'd like to see Chicago play a full four quarters of respectable football, but even if they do, it doesn't mean it'll be easy. I think there is one miracle left this season. Chicago 27-Seattle 24