Bears Take 13-9 Halftime Lead Over Seahawks

Chicago opened the game with a 17-play, 80-yard march that took eight minutes and 32 seconds. Luther Burden finished it with a one-yard touchdown catch, ending the Seahawks’ streak of 27 games without allowing an opponent to score on its opening possession.

Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 17 of 25 passes for 165 yards in the first half, as the Bears amassed 208 total yards. Chicago’s defense held Seattle to three first downs across its first five possessions before the Seahawks found the end zone.

New Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons recorded a first-quarter sack of Sam Darnold and led Chicago with five tackles before halftime. The Bears acquired Simmons from Tennessee the previous week, sending two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick in the deal.

The teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter. Near the end of the half, Williams threw a 24-yard pass to Rome Odunze on a trick play, with running back D’Andre Swift handing the ball to Williams before he passed. Chicago later settled for Cairo Santos’ 38-yard field goal.

Seattle scored its first touchdown with 30 seconds remaining, when Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught a 43-yard pass after getting open against cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Smith-Njigba had four receptions for 92 yards by halftime. Jason Myers missed the extra point, leaving Chicago ahead 13-9.