USA TODAY International Edition
Buccaneers fluster Glennon, Bears
TAMPA Hurricane Irma pushed back the season opener for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one week, but the team didn’t appear to be slowed down by any of the fallout.
The Buccaneers demolished the Chicago Bears 29-7 Sunday in Tampa Bay’s season opener at Raymond James Stadium after its originally scheduled Week 1 game at the Miami Dolphins was moved to Week 11, when both teams had shared a bye.
Several Buccaneers players and coaches drove north to evacuate out of Irma’s path while a few hunkered down and remained in the area. The Glazer family, owners of the franchise, chartered five planes to temporarily relocate players, coaches and football staff to Charlotte while the storm passed through the area.
But following a week filled with uncertainty, the Buccaneers proved themselves more than ready for the Bears.
Tampa’s defense stifled Bears quarterback Mike Glennon, who made his return after playing for the Buccaneers the first four seasons of his NFL career, and capitalized on several mistakes.
Glennon completed 31 of 45 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown. He tossed two interceptions, including a pick-six, and lost a fumble on a strip sack. But coach John Fox stuck with him throughout the game, refusing to put in 2017 No. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky.
Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston completed 18 of 30 throws for 204 yards and a touchdown.
Receiver Mike Evans caught seven passes for 93 yards and hauled in Winston’s scoring strike, a 13-yard back-shoulder throw one play after Bears rookie running back Tarik Cohen fumbled a punt.
It was Tampa Bay’s defense, though, that stood out most. The unit collected four sacks and nearly completed a shutout, with its effort spoiled only by Glennon’s touchdown throw with 1:43 remaining.
The Buccaneers, joined by the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars, wore a decal on the back of their helmets with the words “ONE FLORIDA” printed on top of the state’s silhouette. The team also donated a section of tickets to first responders from the Tampa Bay area as well as surrounding counties.
Before the game, the Buccaneers also brought out first responders from the Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Rescue, the Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department to lead the team out of the locker room and as honorary guests for the coin toss.
Last week, the Glazer family announced it was donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to aid in support and relief efforts.
The Buccaneers (1-0) travel to Minnesota to face the Minnesota Vikings, while the Bears (0-2) host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.