First Quarter: The Statement Drive
Chicago opened with a grinding 17-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 8 minutes and 32 seconds and ended with Caleb Williams’ 1-yard touchdown pass to Luther Burden. It was the first time in 27 games that an opponent had scored on the Seahawks on the opening possession. Jeffery Simmons made an immediate impact in his Bears debut with a sack of Sam Darnold.
Observation: The Bears set the tone early by sustaining drives and staying physical against a defense that had been difficult to score on.
Gooch Hot Take: That opening drive wasn’t flashy—it was the kind of ugly, clock-eating football that tells a contender “we can hang with you for four quarters.