The Seattle Seahawks’ season was on the line in Chicago on Thursday night. At least, that is how head coach Mike Macdonald saw it.
Nursing a narrow 6-3 lead, the Seahawks defense – which had played outstanding all night long – had one final test. They were tasked with stopping the Chicago Bears from either tying the game, or somehow claim their first lead of the night.
With 20 seconds left in the game, the Seahawks were facing a 4th-and-10 and ran a new blitz they had not ran all season long. The result was flawless, as Caleb Williams’ panicked throw landed right in the waiting arms of cornerback Riq Woolen, who was seeking redemption after a disappointing performance last week against the Vikings.
Riq Woolen wanted redemption! pic.twitter.com/QaHXdkc0qU
— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) December 27, 2024
After the game, Macdonald spoke to the media and explained it was a new blitz the team installed two weeks ago. Macdonald’s full comments can be seen in the Tweet below.
That final Bears play, Woolen INT of desperate pass, was 1st time coach Mike Macdonald called that particular blitz, 9 men on the line. Players couldn’t wait to run it after he put it in 2 wks ago. “Season in the line,” coach says.
“We’ll get better from this.” @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/IQyyDolovb
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 27, 2024
Macdonald wasn’t joking about players being excited to run it, as linebacker Ernest Jones IV backed up this sentiment in the locker room afterwards.
From Soldier Field: LB Ernest Jones says he was so excited the Bears offense came back out for that final fourth down, and the #Seahawks couldn’t wait for Mike Macdonald to finally call that all-out blitz that ended it here in Chicago. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/kaAoi5Bmej
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 27, 2024
