BEARS (2-6) VS. BUCCANEERS (3-5)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, TAMPA uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 710
Announcers: Dan Hellie, David Diehl, Holly Sonders
About the Bears: Will Chicago recapture the magic it conjured before its bye week in easily its best win of the season? Quarterback
triumphant return from a fivegame layoff with a thumb injury spurred franchise WR first touchdown, a season-high 50% conversion rate on third downs and a career day from rookie RB
(202 yards from scrimmage and a TD), all against what was the Minnesota Vikings’ then-No. 1 ranked defense. Equally impressive, Chicago permitted a season-low 10 points and 258 yards, applying pressure for the first time with a healthy trio of outside linebackers — and ascending rookie (three sacks, four QB hits and one forced fumble over the last two games).
About the Buccaneers: Think Tampa Bay needed its “mini-bye” after a 43-28 home loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 3? During a two-game skid, the Bucs defense has surrendered a combined 73 points, 58 first downs and 1,087 yards. Worse, the Bucs limped to the finish line last week without QB
(knee), WR (concussion) and RB all injured with their team getting smashed. Smith, signed in midOctober and only starting because
(hamstring) has missed the last six games, suffered a serious knee injury. With backup
(knee) on injured reserve and No. 3 nursing a sprained foot, Tampa is hopeful Martin finally returns to spark a struggling run game (3.9 yards a carry) and relieve a taxed defense. The Bears’ Alshon Jeffery had his first touchdown catch of the season on Oct. 31.
and A rolling ball of butcher knives if he reaches the second level with momentum, Howard clashes with Tampa Bay’s tough tandem. Alexander and David, rare defensive bright spots, are among league leaders in solo tackles (Alexander) and tackles for loss (David).
The return of Cutler, a willing jump-ball thrower whose
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
rapport with his No. 1 receiver is exceptional, benefits no one more than Jeffery, who has eight games to prove to Bears brass he’s worthy of a monster contract. He’ll have a major size and strength advantage over veteran
and rookie
Pass plays of 20-plus yards Tampa Bay has permitted — most in the NFL — after yielding 45 all of last season (No. 3 in the league).
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Evans’ excellence: He has a leagueleading eight receiving touchdowns. If rookie
(ankle) remains sidelined, Chicago’s top corner, (5-11, 200), lacks the size to deal with 6-5 Evans, who’s like a power forward. Bears defensive coordinator will try to make another pass catcher beat Chicago.
2. Rising pass rush: The Bucs couldn’t slow Falcons DT Grady Jarrett last week. Meantime, Bears DT had his best game (two sacks, one pass defensed). Gs
and and backup C who could replace (knee), will have to keep the pocket clean without much help while the Bears’ edge rushers attract attention.
Neither Bucs secondrounder nor former Buccaneer has been great. Aguayo’s 58.3% conversion rate on field goal attempts is last in the NFL. Barth, tied for 21st at 78.6%, has steadied himself, hitting six in a row.
Arthur Arkush