In front of a national audience, once again, the Chicago Bears defeated a conference champion. This time in the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Considering the Bears are on the verge of a certain level of success the franchise hasn't experienced in decades thanks to Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, I am going to leave them out of this piece from now on – as it is a given that both were instrumental to Chicago's success.
Instead, I will be highlighting 3 other factors that contributed to Chicago's win or loss. So let's get to it.
1. Jeffery Simmons

Simply put: Simmons was a game-wrecker Monday night. The way he stepped in and made an immediate impact was reminiscent of Khalil Mack's Bears Intro back in 2018. Except Chicago won in dominating fashion this time around. Simmons presence was felt and it was noticeable when he was off the field. By now, we have all seen the stats showing that the Seahawks averaged close to 3 years per play when he was on the field compared to 13+ when he was off it, but the way he changed how Dennis Allen called this game was what fascinated me the most.
Jeffery Simmons' mere presence allowed Dennis Allen to keep more defenders in coverage while simultaneously occupying the attention of more offensive linemen. This allowed guys like Devin Bush, Montez Sweat and Austin Booker to really shine in ways we have not seen. Montez Sweat should have had 3 sacks were two of them not called back for some questionable penalties in the secondary. Austin Booker was able to get in the face of Sam Darnold multiple times and even block a kick. Jeffery Simmons has completely changed the complexion of this team and the defense has leveled up in the process.
2. Rome Odunze

Man, you have to feel good for Rome Odunze. The former top 10 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft has failed to live up to those lofty expectations on draft night but he most certainly has been flashing his unique skillset in recent weeks and had arguably his best game of the season on Monday night. Not only did the former Washington Husky not commit his weekly dropped pass in front of his family and friends, but he also made himself an extremely friendly target for Caleb Williams in some of the most critical moments – a characteristic of his play we have come to expect these days.
Not only that, but he was catching the ball downfield and creating huge chunk gains for the offense, which was backbreaking for the Seattle defense. Another characteristic of his play this season!
When Rome is playing the way he is, and we still have Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland available, this offense will be nearly impossible to stop.
Especially when you have this next guy continuing to run hard.
3. D'Andre Swift

Without his running mate once again, D'Andre Swift continued to carry the load in the run game and for the second consecutive week makes this list. Much like last week, it wasn't pretty as evidences by his 69 rushing yards on 27 attempts for a 2.6 yard average with a long of just 7 yards. But Swift got it done and moved the chains when it mattered in addition to punching the ball in the endzone THREE times like he has continued to do all season.
In fact, his 10 rushing TDs lead the entire NFL at this point, and his ability to turn drives into 7 points has become a critical component for a Chicago offense that can hurt you in multiple ways. While Caleb and Ben get most of the credit, the way that Swift and this offensive line have not missed a beat when Ben Johnson goes no-huddle, hurry-up, or Caleb calls an audible at the line of scrimmage has been amazing. The fact that we haven't had more mishaps or pre-snap penalties is a tribute to the work being done by all week in and week out, and Swift has deserved every bit of the 3-year, $33.75 million extension he was awarded at the beginning of the season.
Now, if Kyle Monangai would finally return, Swift can spend less time in the ice tub during the week resting his wounds. Hopefully Monangai is back after the BYE.

