Bears quarterback Caleb Williams started well Sunday night, but three interceptions in the second quarter kept the Buccaneers in the game. But Tampa Bay hasn’t been able to do much with all these extra opportunities.
Chicago leads 17-6 at halftime.
With a 14-3 lead in the second quarter, the Bears looked poised to take a 21-3 lead, as they encountered little resistance from the Tampa Bay defense.
But on second-and-21, Williams was looking for Rome Odunze in the end zone when Tykee Smith stepped in front of the pass to recover it. The Bucs gave it back immediately when Baker Mayfield was stuffed on a QB sneak on fourth-and-1 from their own 35.
Williams gave it again on his next pass, when he threw a downfield throw while being hit. This pass was recovered by Zyon McCollum.
But once again, the Bucs got nothing out of it, as they had to punt.
Williams’ third interception came on what looked like a throwaway attempt. But McCollum was able to take out another one with a dive, and the play was reversed upon review.
Chase McLaughlin kicked a 21-yard field goal as time expired in the second half, while head coach Todd Bowles decided not to attempt a touchdown with the clock stopped at :03.
That meant the Buccaneers only managed three points on three takeaways in the second quarter.
A week after not completing a single pass in a win, Baker Mayfield is 11 of 19 for 139 yards with one interception. The Bucs are just 1 of 6 on third down.
Williams is 14 of 23 for 193 yards with two touchdowns and three picks. This is his first multi-game game since Week 3 of his rookie season in 2024. Williams had never thrown three picks as a pro before this game.
Luther Burden had three catches for 81 yards with a touchdown. Rome Odunze has four receptions for 60 yards with one TD.
The Bears are 6 of 7 on third down.
Tampa Bay will kick off the second half with a chance to double.
Gn sports
