It would have sounded crazy to say this a couple weeks ago, but the Seahawks are in better position than the Bears in the NFC playoff race.
The Bears were the victims of a 38-14 beatdown today in Chicago, and with no Jay Cutler and no Matt Forte, we can forget about their hopes of winning an NFC wild card berth. But the Seahawks, who took it to the Bears in the second half, are now 7-7 and not totally out of the playoff race.
Granted, the Seahawks would need help in the form of the Lions falling apart if they’re going to surprise everyone and get into the postseason. But the way Seattle has looked in recent weeks, no NFC division winner would want the Seahawks coming to town in January.
For the Bears, who are also 7-7, it’s a shame that Cutler’s injury effectively ended a promising season. Caleb Hanie was terrible again, going 10 of 23 for 111 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, and after Hanie left Josh McCown briefly came in and lasted just long enough to go 1-for-2 for 12 yards and an interception. The 1985 Bears might not have been able to get to the playoffs with Caleb Hanie at quarterback. For the 2011 Bears, they’re not mathematically eliminated, but their realistic playoff hopes ended the day Cutler suffered a broken thumb.
Now the question is whether Seattle can get enough help to get into the playoffs. If they do, they’re going to be a tough team to beat.