Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold, a Super Bowl champion, is under fire after a dismal performance in a 28‑20 loss to the Chicago Bears. The article highlights his 1:1 touchdown‑to‑interception ratio over his last 16 starts, sub‑6.0 ANY/A, and a 14‑of‑39 pressure rate that produced just 1 completion for 13 yards and an interception. While the Seahawks sit at 4‑4, Darnold’s play—especially on ill‑designed 2nd‑and‑1 attempts—has directly contributed to three of four defeats. The piece argues the issue isn’t solely his talent but a lack of play‑calling, protection, and play‑action support, leaving head coach John Schneider with a tough decision on Darnold’s future before his 2027 contract expires.
Gridiron Experts’ Week 9 waiver wire list highlights streaming and depth options across key positions. Quarterbacks: J.J. McCarthy (Giants) earns a Superflex stream after a solid 20‑28‑252 debut and a favorable matchup at Philadelphia, while Gardner Minshew (Cardinals) becomes a starter but faces a tough Seattle test. Running backs: Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders) offers 25‑carry volume against the 49ers; Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals) provides big‑play upside if injuries persist; Kenneth Gainwell (Buccaneers) posts back‑to‑back 140‑yard games but meets a strong Bears run defense. Wide receivers: Makai Lemon (Eagles) delivers consistent PPR floor despite potential target drop with DeVonta Smith’s return, and rookie Jordyn Tyson (Saints) is a stash pending practice clearance. The piece flags each player’s role, matchup and fantasy value for Week 9.
After Jeffery Simmons’ trade (giving up two first‑rounders and a fourth‑rounder) sparked a 34‑17 win over Seattle, the Bears face a "Super Bowl or bust" deadline for GM Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson. ESPN’s Ian Rapoport says Chicago still needs secondary help and another edge rusher. While a deal for Khalil Mack looks unlikely as the Chargers’ GM likes his locker‑room impact, the Bears may target former rookie Nahshon Wright from the Jets, who logged 10 turnovers last season but sees limited play this year.
Even though the Chicago Bears dominated the Seattle Seahawks, Ben Johnson's offense clearly misses bruising running back Kyle Monangai in the worst way.
After the Chicago Bears' 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, quarterback Caleb Williams likened Chicago’s fan loyalty to the city’s six‑title Bulls era, sparking analyst Chris Canty’s rebuke on ESPN’s First Take. Canty called Williams “goofy” for the Michael Jordan comparison, prompting a backlash from Bears supporters on X, who accused the analyst of twisting words. The feud highlights the tension between football pride and Chicago’s broader sports legacy as the Bears gear up for a Week 9 clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Week 8, the Chicago Bears clinch a win over Seattle as rookie quarterback Caleb Williams exits the game, while the Ravens’ season spirals after Lamar Jackson suffers a season‑ending thumb injury. The article also defends a crucial Chiefs false‑start call, praises defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons’ impact for Chicago, and slams Troy Aikman’s commentary on the Bears. It highlights the Packers’ controversy over Josh Jacobs, Baker Mayfield’s rare three‑pass, 0‑completion performance in Tampa, and notes divisional trash‑talk fallout for Jared Verse. Finally, the piece critiques the Dallas Cowboys’ hire of Brian Schottenheimer and predicts lingering Super Bowl drought for Jerry Jones.
The Chicago Bears’ blockbuster trade for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is already reshaping their defense. After surrendering a 2027 first‑rounder, a 2027 fourth‑rounder and a 2028 first‑rounder to Tennessee — the most ever paid for a DT — Simmons posted three pressures, a sack and multiple run stops in just two practices before Monday Night Football against Seattle. His presence cut Seattle’s yards per play to 3.0, boosted the Bears’ pressure rate to 40.6% on limited blitzes, and freed up Montez Sweat for a season‑high five pressures. With the Bears improving from 23rd to 8th in points allowed and Simmons fixing their run‑defense woes, the article argues the move makes Chicago a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The Titans sit 1-7 and are gearing up for the 2027 draft, having already traded Jeffery Simmons for two first‑round picks. With rookie wideout Carnell Tate now the top receiver, the franchise could also move veteran Calvin Ridley and, most importantly, starting RB Tony Pollard. Pollard has 595 yards and six TDs, and his trade value peaks during the bye week as teams like the Packers, Broncos, Giants, Vikings, Seahawks, Bengals, and Lions chase running back help. Swapping Pollard could net additional draft capital before the Titans assess their young backs and decide whether to address the position in 2027.
The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC but with how good the Bears looked against the Seahawks, they now pose the biggest threat.
Since Caleb Williams returned from injury, the Chicago Bears have dominated NFL time of possession, leading for 158 minutes and 33 seconds of the 180 minutes played and never trailing. The run includes back‑to‑back wins over the Patriots and Seahawks – a first in NFL history – and a balanced attack bolstered by Jeffery Simmons on defense. With Williams driving the offense and Simmons anchoring a top‑tier defense, Chicago now looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Mike Florio of NBC Sports now ranks Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams among the NFL’s top four QBs—alongside Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow—after Williams led the Bears to a dominant road win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Despite an early‑season hamstring setback, Williams delivered another elite performance against a premier defense, prompting Florio to predict MVP consideration if Chicago maintains its form and clinches the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Bears, bolstered by recent trade addition Jeffery Simmons, also stay close to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
Jeffery Simmons bursts onto the Chicago Bears scene, sacking the Seahawks on his first defensive snap and receiving the game ball from coach Ben Johnson after the Bears’ primetime road win over Seattle. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Titans that cost multiple future first‑round picks, Simmons instantly bolsters a pass rush already anchored by Montez Sweat. With quarterback Caleb Williams back at MVP form, Chicago now looks like a genuine Super Bowl contender. The Bears wrap up the week heading into a home clash with Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Bears penalties piled up in a dominant win over Seattle, giving Ben Johnson plenty to address despite Chicago's impressive performance.
The Chicago Bears have made NFL history by becoming the first team to beat both Super Bowl participants—New England (30-24) and Seattle (34-17)—in consecutive primetime games, according to OptaStats. The victories boost the Bears’ Super Bowl contender status, bolstered by the recent acquisition of All‑Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and a surging offense led by quarterback Caleb Williams, with D’Andre Swift and multiple receivers adding firepower. With a strengthened defense and a versatile attack, Chicago aims to translate this unprecedented achievement into a deep postseason run.
The Bears roar past the defending champions Seattle Seahawks 34-17 on Monday Night Football, sparking a bullish outlook on their stock. Caleb Williams shines with 247 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions against the league's top pass defense, while newcomers Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat deliver immediate impact—Simmons logs a sack, PBUs and six tackles, and Sweat adds a sack and three QB hits. Conversely, the secondary falters; CB Tyrique Stevenson struggles despite a PBU, TE Colston Loveland fumbles a crucial third‑down screen, and G Jonah Jackson shows signs of regression. The article evaluates who’s rising and who’s slipping on the Bears’ roster.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams traded his fined Caddix shoes for custom all‑black, logo‑free cleats on Monday, ending a two‑week, $35,823 penalty streak. The NFL fined him $11,941 in Week 6 and $23,882 in Week 7 for wearing unauthorized footwear, prompting the switch before the Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks. Williams says the change is to “calm things down” and keep the focus on the team, not to concede the gear dispute. The NFL’s uniform rule only permits apparel from Nike, Adidas or Under Armour, so the matte black pair meets the branding requirement while preserving the safety benefits he values. No league response yet, but the Bears look to build on the win.
In Chicago’s 34-17 victory over Seattle, rookie defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons justified the Bears’ high‑price trade with six tackles, two TFLs, a sack and a blocked pass. His presence opened lanes for fellow pass‑rusher Montez Sweat, who added three quarterback hits and a sack. Head coach Ben Johnson also praised defensive end Austin Booker, who recorded three tackles, a pass breakup, blocked a crucial field goal and tied Simmons for the team sack lead. Booker’s surge comes as Sweat serves a suspension and Dayo Odeyingbo recovers from injury, marking him as another emerging star on Chicago’s revamped front‑seven.
The Seattle Seahawks fall 34-17 to the Chicago Bears on Nov. 3, 2026 as quarterback Sam Darnell admits he couldn’t handle the Jeffery Simmons‑led pass rush. Darnell was pressured on 14 of 39 dropbacks, completing just 1 of 11 throws for 13 yards and an interception. Seattle managed only 81 rushing yards and went 1‑for‑11 on third‑down conversions, leaving the team 4‑4 on the season. Bears improve to 6‑2, while the Seahawks look to rebound against the Arizona Cardinals next week.
Chris Canty questions Caleb Williams' reference to Chicago's Michael Jordan era.
Despite an 0-7 start, the Los Angeles Chargers remain firm on keeping veteran talent, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Ian Rapoport. Teams, including the 49ers and Bears, have shown interest in OLB Khalil Mack, OLB Tuli Tuipulotu and WR Quentin Johnston, but the Chargers say they are not entertaining trade offers yet. Mack, 35, has logged 21 tackles, five TFLs and three sacks in seven games this season, while Tuipulotu, 23, records 30 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. The trade deadline could bring new developments.
Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson praised Jeffery Simmons after his dominant debut, revealing the impact of the blockbuster acquisition.
The Seattle Seahawks suffered their first defensive loss of the season, falling 27-17 to a surprisingly dominant Chicago Bears on Nov. 3, 2026. Despite a brief four‑minute surge in the fourth quarter that included a lone takeaway by DeMarcus Lawrence, a sack by Mike Morris, Jadarian Price’s nine‑yard run, and Sam Darnold’s touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp, the Bears answered with D’Andre Swift’s three rushing scores and a critical 39‑yard lateral to Kalif Raymond. Special‑teams miscues, two personal fouls and a sputtering offense sealed Seattle’s fate, marking the franchise’s most lopsided defeat in two years. The article details the missed opportunities and highlights the Bears’ aggressive play‑calling that left the Seahawks scrambling.
The Seattle Seahawks crumble in a 34-17 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night, exposing the league’s worst red‑zone defense. Analyst Brock Huard and coach Mike Macdonald both admit Seattle was “smacked physically” and couldn’t protect the quarterback, with Jeffery Simmons limiting the Seahawks to 3.0 yards per play when on the field. Seattle managed just 1‑of‑11 on third down and surrendered 363 yards. The 4‑4 team now looks to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.
With the NFL trade deadline just six days away, Windy City Gridiron’s Week 9 Power Rankings break down each contender’s needs ahead of Week 9. The 49ers (6‑1) look to add a receiver or interior lineman after trading for DeForest Buckner. The Bills (6‑1) target secondary help to bolster a shaky pass defense despite D.J. Moore’s return. The Jaguars (5‑2) could chase receivers, cornerbacks or O‑line depth, while the Lions (5‑2) prioritize a cornerback and possible RB or DL depth. The Broncos (6‑2) eye offensive upgrades, perhaps a tight end, as quarterback options dry up. Vikings (6‑1) may add interior O‑line help or a splash‑y running back like Jonathan Taylor. The Bears (6‑2) still need defensive line depth, a cornerback and tight‑end reinforcement after Cole Kmet’s injury, and the Chiefs (5‑2) face offensive gaps they hope to fill before the deadline.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks fell 34-17 to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, prompting coach Mike Macdonald to admit the defending champs lacked basic execution. The focus turned to three contentious calls that hurt Seattle: a hit on rookie Tory Horton, a alleged illegal helmet hit on Darnold while sliding, and an offensive pass‑interference penalty on Jaxon Smith‑Njigba. Referee Shawn Smith’s PFWA pool report clarified that none of the first two plays were fouls and that Smith‑Njigba’s penalty was valid due to a full‑arm extension. The loss also saw Leonard Williams exit with a stinger, deepening Seattle’s woes.