Bill Belichick calls out Chicago Bears' mismanagement following season-worst showing vs Seahawks

Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick delivered a scathing critique of the Chicago Bears' team-building approach. This was following their 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His assessment highlighted the franchise's puzzling strategy of accumulating offensive weapons while neglecting quarterback protection.

The Chicago Bears, under general manager Ryan Poles, have endured a nightmarish 2024 season. Their latest defeat marked their 10th consecutive loss, pushing their record to 4-12.

Poles acknowledged the team's struggles in his pre-game interview with ESPN 1000, attributing their slow starts to training camp issues.

Speaking on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Dec. 30, 2024, Belichick addressed the Bears' organizational philosophy. His comments arrived in the wake of Chicago's historically low-scoring performance against Seattle, where offensive limitations were glaringly apparent:

"I don't know if the way that the Bears put their team together is the way to do it. You go out and get all these weapons and you have no pass protection. They play in a city that you know is gonna be tough to throw in at the end of the season," said Belichick.

The timing of Belichick's assessment proved particularly poignant. In their Week 17 loss, Bears QB Caleb Williams endured seven sacks behind an offensive line missing left tackle Braxton Jones and left guard Teven Jenkins.

ESPN reported that Williams has now been sacked 67 times this season – second only to David Carr's rookie record of 76 in 2002.

Chicago Bears' offensive struggles expose deeper issues

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears - Source: Imagn

The impact of inadequate pass protection was stark in Chicago's latest defeat. ESPN's coverage revealed Williams averaged just 1.3 air yards per completion against Seattle – his lowest mark of the season. The offense converted only 33% of third downs and averaged a mere 3.1 yards per play.

Despite the defense's commendable effort in holding Seattle to just two field goals, offensive line problems persisted. A crucial holding penalty on left guard Jake Curhan nullified a potential touchdown pass from Williams to Rome Odunze. The Seahawks' defense capitalized, pressuring Williams on 10 of his first 20 dropbacks.

The Chicago Bears' offensive woes extend beyond a single game. USA Today noted that Chicago has scored just 20 points combined in first quarters across 16 games this season. Their final test comes at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers, where they'll try to avoid an 11th consecutive loss.