Primetime games tend to feature the more appealing matchups, and every NFL team seems to get at least one each season. Some teams get a lot more. The Bears, who face the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, are playing in their third straight primetime game. Tampa Bay hasn’t had as many, but this one could still be entertaining.
The Buccaneers enter at 3-5 after an unusual 16-0 win over Atlanta. They didn’t complete a pass—not one. In heavy rain, Tampa attempted just three throws and ran the ball 56 times, or 52 times if you count only the running backs. Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell combined for 310 rushing yards.
The season has been uneven, though Tampa has won three of its last four. The Buccaneers beat Dallas by eight with their backup quarterback, lost in overtime to Pittsburgh after leading for most of the game, routed Carolina, and then shut out Atlanta. It was a difficult start, but the division is still within reach.
I owe the Bears a bit of an apology. They’ve been better than I expected, and better than I gave them credit for. I’d wondered whether they had beaten any truly impressive teams. Last week, they put together a strong performance against Seattle, with an effective running game and timely passes. Even a delay-of-game penalty worked in their favor: after the flag, Chicago hit a screen pass for more than 30 yards and set up a touchdown.
Chicago made a significant move last week, trading for Jeffery Simmons to strengthen the defense. He made an immediate impact with six tackles and a sack, while drawing double teams that gave other defenders more room to make plays. Simmons looked sharp, and the effort stood out. He could be a real difference-maker; if he keeps playing this way, the Bears may not regret the draft picks they gave up.
I’ve always thought draft picks can be overrated, though the salary cap does make them more valuable. Chicago is playing well, and Tampa seems to be finding its footing. The weather may be rough, but probably not enough to keep both teams from scoring. I lean toward the over, but I like the Bears by six more. Tampa could have a hard time against Simmons and Montez Sweat. I’ll take Chicago, perhaps with a teaser.
