The Seattle Seahawks entered their Week 17 matchup with everything to play for, facing a Bears team that had little more than pride on the line. In what was billed as a critical game for playoff aspirations, Seattle managed to scrape out a win that felt more like a survival test than a statement of dominance.
The final score told the story of a team that did just enough to stay alive, even as their performance left much to be desired.
Despite the lackluster performance, Seattle’s ability to grind out a victory showcased their resilience. Sometimes, surviving is all that matters in high-stakes situations, and the Seahawks did just that. However, questions linger about whether this level of play will be enough as the stakes continue to rise.
Studs and duds from the Seahawks' lackluster Week 17 victory
While there were a few standout performances that helped push the team over the finish line, others struggled to make an impact, contributing to the game’s underwhelming pace and lack of excitement. Here’s a closer look at the key contributors who kept the Seahawks’ playoff hopes alive and those who added to the lackluster nature of this forgettable win.
STUD - Seahawks defense
The Seahawks entered Week 17 knowing that their postseason dreams hinged on a victory, and while it wasn’t pretty, they managed to get the job done. With the offense struggling to find its rhythm, the defense stepped up in a big way, delivering one of its most dominant performances of the season. Against a Bears offense that never found its footing, Seattle’s defense applied relentless pressure, racking up seven sacks and forcing a critical interception to swing momentum in their favor.
It was a classic bend-but-don’t-break effort from a unit that has been inconsistent at times this season. The defensive front overwhelmed Chicago’s offensive line, creating chaos in the backfield and limiting their ability to sustain drives. Meanwhile, the secondary capitalized on opportunities, snatching a turnover that set up crucial field position for the Seahawks. While the Bears moved the ball sporadically, they were unable to translate those gains into meaningful points.
The offense may not have matched the defense’s intensity, but Seattle’s ability to rely on its defensive backbone made the difference in this must-win scenario. Though questions remain about their consistency, the defense’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster game, keeping playoff hopes alive for at least one more week.
DUD - Seahawks offense
While the Seahawks’ defense carried the night, the offense left much to be desired. Quarterback Geno Smith and his unit struggled to find any sort of rhythm, with drives frequently stalling before reaching the red zone. The inability to sustain momentum was glaring, as Seattle once again failed to score a touchdown on their opening drive, extending their streak of futility in that area to an astonishing 20 games. For a team with playoff aspirations, such inefficiency is a concerning trend.
The offensive struggles were not limited to any one area. The passing game lacked precision, with misfires and dropped opportunities keeping Seattle from moving the chains. Meanwhile, the ground attack was rendered ineffective, as the offensive line failed to create running lanes.
Third downs proved to be a major hurdle, with the Seahawks converting far too few chances to extend drives and wear down the Bears’ defense. Despite favorable field position at times, the offense repeatedly settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, a pattern that nearly cost them the game.
Seattle’s inability to find the end zone was a stark contrast to the dominance displayed by their defense. While the win kept postseason hopes alive, it underscored the pressing need for the offense to step up if the Seahawks hope to compete against stronger teams in the weeks ahead. Without improvement, relying solely on defensive heroics won’t be enough to sustain a playoff run.
STUD - Jason Myers
When the offense fails to deliver, games often hinge on the smallest of margins, and for the Seahawks, it came down to the reliable leg of Jason Myers. In a game devoid of touchdowns, Myers’ two field goals proved to be the deciding factor in a grinding 6-3 victory. On a night when neither team could find offensive traction, Myers’ accuracy ensured that Seattle emerged with a critical win to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The significance of those kicks extended beyond the scoreboard. Each field goal represented the culmination of drives where the offense faltered just outside of scoring range, highlighting both the Seahawks’ inefficiencies and Myers’ importance to the team. While field goals are never the preferred method of scoring, Myers’ composure under pressure provided a much-needed boost in a game where opportunities were scarce. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was enough to make the difference.
Seattle’s narrow win is a stark reminder of how crucial special teams can be when the offense struggles. Myers’ performance may not grab headlines, but his contributions were invaluable in securing the victory. If the Seahawks hope to make noise in the postseason, they’ll need more than just field goals—but for now, Myers has kept their season alive.
DUD - DK Metcalf
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Seahawks needed contributions from every player to secure a path forward. Unfortunately, the offense has continued to struggle, with one of its most critical pieces yet to reach his full potential.
DK Metcalf, once a reliable force in the passing game, hasn’t eclipsed 100 receiving yards since Week 4 against the Lions. His reduced production has left the offense without a consistent playmaker, putting more pressure on other aspects of the team to compensate.
The reasons behind Metcalf’s decline are unclear but concerning. Is it an issue with the play calling that fails to utilize his strengths? Perhaps the offensive scheme isn’t creating opportunities for him to thrive. Alternatively, a lingering injury could be hindering his ability to separate from defenders or make explosive plays. Regardless of the cause, the Seahawks must address this quickly. Without Metcalf performing at his best, the offense lacks the firepower to keep up with more dynamic opponents.
For Seattle to make a serious playoff push, unlocking Metcalf’s potential is essential. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches has been a cornerstone of the offense in the past. If the Seahawks can reignite his productivity, they’ll have a much stronger chance of overcoming their offensive struggles and finding success in the postseason.
The Seahawks’ Week 17 victory in Chicago was far from a spectacle, but it kept their playoff hopes alive. In a game that lacked excitement, Seattle’s defense carried the team with a dominant performance, while the offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Key contributions on special teams, including two crucial field goals, ultimately secured the win.
However, the lackluster showing from the offense raises concerns about the team’s ability to compete at a higher level in the postseason.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Seahawks must address their offensive inconsistencies and find ways to reignite their playmakers. A win is a win, but Seattle will need much more than this sluggish effort if they hope to make noise in the playoffs. With the stakes only getting higher, it’s time for the Seahawks to tighten up all facets of their game and prove they’re more than just a team that scrapes by.