Bears mismanage clock before Caleb Williams’ back-breaking interception
The Bears are going to Bear.
With a chance to at least put up a field goal late in the fourth quarter to tie their “Thursday Night Football” showdown with the Seahawks, the Bears mismanaged the clock before Caleb Williams threw a game-sealing interception in a 6-3 loss at home.
The ugly loss was the Bears’ 12th of the year — and 10th straight, which tied an ignominious franchise record.
Caleb Williams (18) and offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) react dejectedly while walking off the field during the second half of the Bear’s 6-3 home loss to the Seahawks on Dec. 26. AP
It had their fans booing them off the field and, at one point, calling for ownership to sell the team.
The comedy of errors started with a little more than a minute left when Williams, who ran out of the pocket to avoid the Seattle rush, hit receiver Rome Odunze for a 15-yard pass and a first down.
But that’s when the Bears lackadaisically lined up for the next play, allowing more than 20 seconds to run off the clock.
To make matters worse, after Williams threw a pass out of bounds that stopped the clock at 31 seconds, Chicago had to burn its second timeout because the play clock was about to expire on the next play.
Williams appeared to be fuming at his own sideline as the timeout was called.
Caleb Williams looks on during the fourth quarter of the Bears’ loss to the Seahawks. Getty Images
The crowd began booing as broadcaster Al Michaels said on air that fans were aware of the issues the Bears have had with clock management in the past, which included a brutal loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Williams threw another incomplete pass on third-and-10 before he chucked up a high, arcing pass on fourth-and-10 from the Seattle 40 for an easy interception that sealed the victory for the Seahawks with under 20 seconds left in the game.
The Bears’ free fall continued in spectacular fashion as the Seahawks managed to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Caleb Williams throws the interception and the game ends.pic.twitter.com/MU8p94QIW1— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) December 27, 2024
Riq Woolen celebrates after an interception during the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ win over the Bears. Getty Images
The latest loss came hours after it had been reported by NFL insider Albert Breer confirmed the Bears have interest in Pete Carroll — the ex-Seahawks coach — for their vacant head coaching job.
Carroll is said to have interest in the Bears job but he is also planning on keeping his options open.
“I’m told that he has informed all of the teams with openings that he is looking to get back into coaching in 2025. And, additionally, Charissa [Thompson], I am told that the Bears are interested in sitting down and having a conversation with Carroll about their opening,” Breer reported on Prime Video’s pregame show.
The Bears will try to break their losing skid against the rival Packers on Jan. 5.
