Which Chicago Bears laid duds vs. the Seahawks?

Chicago Bears Week 16 Dud No. 2: Run Defense

While the defense did enough to hold the Seahawks throughout the game, the run defense was non-existent. This was not just a couple of bad plays leading to a poor game for the defense. All game the Seahawks were able to run the ball through the Bears front and even get multiple runs to the second and third levels. Rashad Penny was looking like Marshawn Lynch in his prime the way he was breaking tackles out there.

The defense as a whole played poorly when it came to defending the run. Guys were missing tackles and gap assignments, and they were not swarming the runner as you would normally want to see. The defensive line really struggled in run defense, especially the middle guys like Eddie Goldman and Bilal Nichols.

Goldman especially has not been the same run-stuffer we had gotten used to seeing. This whole year he has been quiet. While he has never been much of a pass rusher, he has made a name for himself by eating up blocks and clogging running lanes. When he is not doing that, his value is not very high, so he could be a potential cut candidate next offseason, especially if the Bears like Khyris Tonga more.

The snow may have had an effect on how the defense was able to react to different plays, but that gears more towards defending the pass. The run game was used a lot by both teams because of the weather, so the Bears should have been ready to stop Rashad Penny and company. Credit to the Seahawks offensive line who were getting after the Bears all night.