It was a crazy time in Chicago, but the Bears managed to pull out a 27-24 victory over the Buccaneers and improve to 7-2 on the season.
Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense started hot, but an interception midway through the second quarter kept the unit down for most of the rest of the night. Williams ended up throwing four interceptions – the most in a single game he’s had in his college or professional career.
But even with five giveaways — Luther Burden also had a fumble in the fourth quarter — the Buccaneers were only 10 points behind them. Tampa Bay also couldn’t turn a blocked punt into points, despite recovering the ball at midfield.
Chicago started the game with a 14-0 lead, as Williams threw touchdowns to Rome Odunze and Burden. The Buccaneers got on the board with Chase McLaughlin’s 27-yard field goal in the second quarter before Cairo Santos scored from 25 yards out to make it 17-3 with 3:02 left in the half. McLaughlin kicked a 21-yard field goal to end the half, with Bucs head coach Todd Bowles explaining in his halftime interview on the NBC broadcast that he thought his team could score to start the third quarter.
That came true when Bucky Irving scored a 2-yard touchdown run to cap Tampa Bay’s first drive of the second half, cutting Chicago’s lead to 17-13.
As Williams threw his fourth interception, Baker Mayfield then threw his own pick to Jaylon Johnson, who returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.
McLaughlin once again made it a one-possession game with a 35-yard field goal with 11:24 left in the fourth quarter. Then Burden’s fumble gave the Buccaneers an opportunity to score deep in Bears territory, with Irving scoring on a 6-yard run. Mayfield made the two-point conversion going up the middle to the end zone.
But even with the offensive challenges, the Bears got the play they needed to win. Williams connected with Colton Loveland for a 38-yard pass to the Tampa Bay 16.
After a timeout, Santos sent the ball through the uprights late in the fourth quarter for a game-winning 38-yard field goal.
Williams finished the game 22 of 37 for 279 yards with two touchdowns and four picks. Burden led with seven catches for 97 yards with one touchdown. He had to be examined in the sideline medical tent after his fumble in the fourth quarter and was later taken back to the locker room for further evaluation.
Mayfield finished 18 of 32 for 243 yards with two picks. Irving totaled 97 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns, plus four catches for 28 yards.
With the win, the Bears are 7-2 in the league’s top division – as every team in the NFC North has at least six wins. Chicago will have a bye in Week 10 before hosting the Saints in Week 11.
At 3-6, the Buccaneers will also have a bye in Week 10. They will look to get back on track on the road against the Lions in Week 11.
Gn sports
