Bears Overcome Five Turnovers Against Buccaneers on Sunday Night

As the second quarter got underway, the Bears again marched deep into Buccaneers territory and reached first-and-goal at the 8. After a 2-yard D’Andre Swift run, rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty that pushed Chicago back to the 21. Caleb Williams followed up by immediately throwing an ill-advised pass into double coverage that was unceremoniously intercepted by safety Tykee Smith. That seemed to open the floodgates, as the Buccaneers picked off Williams three times in the second quarter, and what looked like a barnburner quickly devolved into a slugfest.

For fans who have only been following the Bears since Ben Johnson’s hiring, last night might have felt frustrating, as the Bears had to rely on defense and special teams to secure the win. For those of us who have been alive long enough to remember any stretch of Bears football prior to the arrival of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, last night felt nostalgic.

The addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons not only unlocked the defensive line, but also reinvigorated one of last offseason’s premier free-agent additions at linebacker, Devin Bush. Bush was electric last night, closing running lanes and pursuing ball carriers with the speed of a safety from his linebacking position. Bush made a huge stop on a 4th-down attempt, shot his gap, and wrestled Baker Mayfield for a loss early in the game.

Despite the Bears tallying five turnovers against a typically stout Buccaneers defense, Tampa Bay did little with the numerous opportunities Todd Bowles’ unit created. The Bears defense stood tall multiple times throughout the evening, but perhaps none taller than when, after an Alex Anzalone interception in the third quarter, Jaylon Johnson jumped a route and intercepted Baker Mayfield for a pick-six. It was redemption for the maligned cornerback, who still looks like he’s trying to find his footing after last season’s catastrophic groin injury that sidelined him for much of the year.

The Bucs would keep clawing back, though. After a questionable hit on Luther Burden by Rueben Bain Jr. jarred the football loose, Chicago native Bucky Irving rushed in for his second touchdown of the evening, and the Bucs tied it up 24-24 after Baker Mayfield scampered in for the 2-point conversion.

With just north of two minutes to go, Caleb Williams orchestrated an 8-play, 49-yard drive, largely thanks to a massive 38-yard gain on 2nd and 9 to Colston Loveland with less than a minute to go. As time expired, Cairo Santos nailed the 38-yard field goal to push the Bears to 7-2 and the Buccaneers to 3-6.

Williams finished the night 22 of 37 for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions. D’Andre Swift led the rushing attack with 12 carries for 31 yards, and Luther Burden led the receivers with 7 catches for 97 yards and a score.

It was ugly and frustrating, but it was the sign of a good football team. At the outset of the season, many fans thought the defense would roll over week in and week out as the offense was going to carry the brunt of the workload; however, despite the five turnovers from the Bears, it was the defense that shouldered the load and picked up an offense that needed to be carried to the finish line. The Bears are now the only team in NFL history to have 5+ turnovers, 9+ penalties, no 10+ yard rushes, and blow a 14+ lead to actually win the game (as if you needed any more qualifiers).

After snapping an 11-game losing streak on Sunday Night Football, the 7-2 Bears go into the bye week aiming to get healthy for the second half of the season. Their next match is November 22 against the New Orleans Saints, followed by a quick turnaround to face the Lions on Thanksgiving.