The Chicago Bears are no longer just putting together an impressive start. They’re building a case for their place among the NFL’s best teams.
Chicago defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks 34-17 on Monday night at Lumen Field, improving to 6-2 for the first time since 2012. The victory extended Chicago’s winning streak to three games, including consecutive wins over both participants in last season’s Super Bowl.
But Chicago’s strongest argument goes beyond its opponents’ quality. During the three-game winning streak, the Bears have led for 158 minutes, 33 seconds of a possible 180 minutes, according to Bill Zimmerman’s analysis cited by Bleacher Nation. They spent the remaining time tied at 0-0. Chicago hasn’t trailed once.
That level of control, combined with an increasingly efficient offense and a defense capable of changing games, suggests the Bears’ success is more than a temporary hot streak. Monday’s performance offered another example of why Chicago deserves to be considered a legitimate contender.
Johnson and Williams Solve Seattle
For Caleb Williams, Monday presented a different challenge. It was his first NFL appearance at Lumen Field, a venue known for its difficult road environment and disruptive crowd noise.
Seattle’s defense presented an equally significant obstacle. Under coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks entered the game having allowed just 144.4 passing yards per game, with no opposing quarterback surpassing 176 yards through their first seven games, according to NFL.com.
Ben Johnson’s offensive game plan challenged that defense immediately. After Chicago forced a three-and-out, Williams led a 17-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that consumed 8:32. The possession included three third-down conversions and ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden III.
The opening possession revealed how Johnson approached Macdonald’s defense. Chicago emphasized manageable gains, multiple receiving options, and repeated execution rather than relying on deep passes. The result was an extended drive against a defense that hadn’t allowed an opening-possession touchdown in 16 games.
Williams finished completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He became the first quarterback this season to throw for more than 200 yards against Seattle, proving that Chicago could move the football through the air even when its rushing attack struggled.
His composure was particularly important in his first appearance at one of the NFL’s most challenging road environments. Williams protected the football, took just one sack, and executed despite the noise and pressure of a prime-time matchup.
Johnson also showed he could prepare an offense for an elite defensive opponent. Chicago finished with 363 total yards and held possession for more than 35 minutes, forcing Seattle to defend long drives while limiting its own opportunities to control the pace of the game.
That performance strengthened the argument that Chicago’s offensive success can translate against top competition. Johnson provided a game plan suited to the opponent, and Williams executed it without needing to be Superman.
Simmons Strengthens Chicago’s Defense
Chicago’s offense wasn’t the only unit playing with contender-level potential. The Bears entered Monday with one of the NFL’s strongest third-down defenses and continued that success against Seattle.
The Seahawks converted just one of their 11 third-down opportunities and finished with 252 total yards. Chicago recorded three sacks, forced an interception, and repeatedly prevented Seattle from sustaining drives.
Jeffery Simmons added another dimension to that defensive performance. Acquired from Tennessee just days before the matchup, Simmons recorded six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a pass breakup in his Bears debut, according to the team’s official breakdown.
Simmons’ impact was evident against Seattle. According to ESPN’s broadcast, the Bears allowed just 2.3 yards per play with Simmons on the field, a statistic NFL insider Ari Meirov highlighted. His presence in the trenches gave Chicago another disruptive force, proving further why the Bears invested so heavily in acquiring the All-Pro defensive tackle.
Simmons’ impact extended beyond his statistics. His ability to demand attention along the interior defensive line created opportunities for teammates, including Montez Sweat, who also recorded a sack.
Bears coach Ben Johnson recognized the significance of Simmons’ debut and presented him with a game ball afterward.
“His impact was profound,” Johnson said in the Bears’ official coverage.
Simmons’ performance provided immediate evidence of why Chicago invested heavily in strengthening its defensive front. The Bears already had a productive defense, but adding a disruptor like Simmons gives coordinator Dennis Allen another way to generate pressure and create favorable matchups.
Chicago’s defense also produced important plays beyond its newest addition. Austin Booker blocked a 33-yard field-goal attempt in the fourth quarter and deflected a Sam Darnold pass that James Lynch intercepted. The interception gave the Bears possession deep in Seattle territory and helped set up their final touchdown.
Those contributions demonstrate how Chicago can affect games through multiple defensive players and situations. The Bears aren’t simply relying on Williams to outscore opponents. Their defense can limit possessions, disrupt quarterbacks, and create scoring opportunities.
Chicago Is Controlling Its Competition
The most compelling evidence of Chicago’s contender status might be how consistently it has controlled games during its current winning streak.
The Bears have not trailed against Atlanta, New England, or Seattle. Across those three games, Chicago has led for about 88% of available game time, with opponents spending the rest trying to break an opening scoreless tie.
That dominance matters because Chicago hasn’t simply needed late comebacks to survive. The Bears have repeatedly built advantages and forced opponents to spend most of the game responding.
Monday’s fourth quarter tested whether Chicago could maintain that control when momentum shifted.
Leading 20-9, the Bears lost a Colston Loveland fumble, giving Seattle possession at Chicago’s 25-yard line. Darnold capitalized with a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp, and a successful two-point conversion reduced the lead to 20-17.
Chicago’s response showed the value of an offense that can execute under pressure. Facing third-and-9, Williams delivered a backward pass to Kalif Raymond, who gained 39 yards to Seattle’s 5-yard line. D’Andre Swift scored on the following play, restoring the Bears’ 10-point advantage.
The response was significant because Chicago wasn’t playing a flawless game. Swift finished with just 69 yards on 27 carries, and the Bears committed 10 penalties for 85 yards. Against stronger opponents, those mistakes could be more costly.
However, the Bears proved they could overcome adversity and flip the script. Their offense responded when it needed to, while the defense prevented Seattle from building on its momentum.
Chicago’s 6-2 record is its best start since 2012, but the team’s recent performance offers a stronger argument than just its spot in the standings. The Bears have beaten both of last season’s Super Bowl participants, consistently controlled game time, and shown they can win through offense, defense, and special teams.
Williams acknowledged the collective nature of Chicago’s success after the victory.
“We believe in each other,” Williams said, according to the Associated Press. “It’s not just offense.”
Chicago still has plenty to prove. Seattle fell to 4-4 with Monday’s loss, and the Bears must continue addressing their penalties and inconsistent rushing efficiency. Their upcoming matchup against Tampa Bay offers another chance to show their success can continue against competitive opponents.
But the evidence is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss. Johnson has shown he can prepare his offense for difficult defensive matchups, Williams has demonstrated composure in hostile environments, and Chicago’s defense has become even more dangerous with Simmons.
The Bears haven’t established themselves as the NFL’s best team, but they have definitely established that they belong in the conversation. Monday’s victory didn’t start that narrative, but it made it a lot harder to argue against.
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