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Bears' Good, Not-So-Good: Rome Odunze Breaks Out, Secondary Struggles Again vs. Seahawks
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- Bears' Good, Not-So-Good: Rome Odunze Breaks Out, Secondary Struggles Again vs. Seahawks
The Chicago Bears needed a big win to keep pace in the NFC North , and they had a tough road assignment to get it. Facing the defending champion on the road isn't easy. Doing it in Seattle makes it even harder.
However, the Bears scored on their opening offensive drive and didn't look back. They beat the Seahawks 34-17 and did a lot of good things along the way. There are also some things Chicago can learn from and improve on as it heads into Week 9.
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Here is the Good and Not-so-Good from the Bears' Week 8 win over the Seahawks:
Good: Opening Drive Touchdown
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Bears put together a masterful opening march downfield to take a 7-0 lead. The 17-play, 82-yard drive lasted more than 8 1/2 minutes.
Luther Burden III caught the touchdown to cap the drive , and the Bears made Seattle pay for its special teams blunder. That's as good a start as you can ask for in Seattle.
Not-so-Good: Bears Secondary Allowing Big Plays Before Halftime (Again)
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) makes a touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Big plays keep hurting Chicago, and once again they struck in the final two minutes of the first half. Even with the Bears' big midweek acquisition, this has become a growing issue without a clear fix.
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Sam Darnold found his star wide receiver for a 43-yard touchdown before halftime to cut into the Bears' lead. That makes two consecutive weeks the Bears have allowed a big touchdown in the final minutes of the first half.
Good: Jeffery Simmons
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Speaking of that midweek acquisition, Simmons made his presence felt immediately, and it was glorious to see. He applied pressure all night and was nearly unstoppable at times.
Simmons was notably off the field on Seattle's first-half touchdown. His impact may already be showing in more ways than one.
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Not-so-Good: Bears Cornerbacks
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) sheds the tackle attempt by Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Bears' boundary cornerbacks were tough to watch at times in pass coverage. Tyrique Stevenson got beat for two touchdowns, and Jaylon Johnson drew a penalty and also allowed a two-point conversion.
There's no doubt this secondary can do enough to win. But is it good enough to win it all? The Bears played well enough to win, but these big plays can't keep piling up.
Good: Rome Odunze
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs after the catchagainst the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Odunze had an excellent game Monday night. He repeatedly got open over the middle of the field and made big catches on scoring drives.
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Odunze finished with four receptions for 87 yards. This was the big game the Bears needed from him, and it fueled several key scoring drives.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
