Chicago Bears struggle offensively but find a bright spot in rookie punter Tory Taylor.

A Frustrating Home Finale

The Chicago Bears wrapped up their home schedule with a 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, extending their losing streak to ten games. Soldier Field echoed with chants of “sell the team” as fans voiced their frustrations over a season that has fallen far below expectations.

Despite the disappointment, the game showcased a few highlights that provide hope for the future. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the Bears’ final home game of 2024.

Struggles in Protection: Caleb Williams Sacked 7 Times

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams faced relentless pressure yet again, being sacked seven times during the game. This brought his season total to 67 sacks through 16 games—the fourth-highest in NFL history.

While some of the blame lies with Williams’ tendency to extend plays, the primary issues stem from the offensive line, blocking schemes, and play-calling. Fixing these systemic problems will be essential if the Bears hope to protect their promising young quarterback in the future.

Offensive Woes: Zero Touchdowns

The Bears’ offensive struggles were on full display as they failed to score a single touchdown. While they reached the end zone once, the play was negated due to a holding penalty.

This marked the third time this season the Bears were shut out of the end zone, a stark contrast to their performance over the past few years. Despite some bright spots from Williams, the inability to convert drives into touchdowns remains a glaring issue.

Defensive Bright Spot: A Single Takeaway

The Bears’ defense managed to limit Seattle’s offense for much of the game, forcing one key turnover—a Kyler Gordon forced fumble and recovery. This play set up the Bears’ best field position of the night.

However, the defense missed additional opportunities, including a near-interception on Seattle’s opening drive. These missed chances highlight the need for better execution in high-stakes moments.

Special Teams Excellence: Tory Taylor Stands Out

Rookie punter Tory Taylor continued to prove his worth, landing five punts inside Seattle’s 20-yard line. His performance forced the Seahawks to start deep in their own territory, with an average starting position at the 17-yard line.

Taylor’s impressive 46.7-yard net average and precise placements were a rare bright spot for the Bears. While questions remain about the decision to draft a punter so early, Taylor’s contributions have been undeniable.

As the Bears head into the offseason, the focus will undoubtedly be on addressing their offensive shortcomings and protecting their franchise quarterback. While the special teams unit provides a solid foundation to build upon, the team must find a way to translate potential into wins.

For now, Bears fans can only hope that brighter days lie ahead.