Bears Survive Ugly 27-24 Win Over Buccaneers Behind Defense and Last-Second Kick
Caleb Williams threw four interceptions, but Chicago's defense and Cairo Santos' field goal secured a 7-2 record heading into the bye week.
By Sakura Ellis ·
The Chicago Bears held on for a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night at Soldier Field. Kicker Cairo Santos kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to seal the win. The result leaves Chicago with a 7-2 record as it enters its bye week.
The win was far from polished. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw a career-high four interceptions, and the Bears committed five total turnovers. The locker room mood after the final whistle was subdued rather than celebratory. Still, the team enters the break in a strong position for a playoff push.
The defense carried the team through its offensive struggles. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield rushed for 126 yards and threw for 243 yards, but the Bears defense limited his efficiency. The Buccaneers converted on only two of 12 third-down attempts and one of two fourth-down tries. They scored on just two of five trips to the red zone, despite one starting at the Bears' 17-yard line.
Multiple players made key stops. Safety Cam Lewis intercepted a pass. Defensive end Austin Booker, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, and defensive end Shemar Turner each recorded a sack. Simmons noted that the situations presented opportunities for the defense to play freely and make plays. He said the best players stepped up when it mattered.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson provided a pivotal shift in momentum. With the Bears leading 17-13 in the third quarter, Johnson stepped in front of a Mayfield pass. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen called the coverage. Johnson ran the interception return 67 yards for a touchdown after defensive end Montez Sweat delivered a late lead block. Head coach Ben Johnson called it a big play that swung the game's momentum in Chicago's favor.
The Bears established early control, a pattern they have maintained this season. Williams completed a touchdown pass to Rome Odunze on the opening drive. Later, Luther Burden III caught a short pass and ran 56 yards for another score. The team has scored nine touchdowns in the first quarter this season. Their defense has allowed only two first-quarter offensive touchdowns.
Williams' decision-making provided the Buccaneers with opportunities. Tampa Bay entered the game leading the NFL with 16 takeaways, including 12 interceptions. Williams' four interceptions marked his first multi-interception game since the NFC divisional round loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. It was his first regular-season game with four picks. Williams said he would not play shyly after the performance.
The running game offered little relief against Tampa Bay's defensive front. The Bears rushed for 72 yards on 22 carries, the fewest of the season. D'Andre Swift gained 31 yards on 12 carries. Salvon Ahmed, elevated from the practice squad, rushed for 25 yards on five carries. Williams added 16 yards on five scrambles. The Buccaneers have held opponents to an average of 80 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the league. Running back Kyle Monangai missed his fifth straight game with an injury.
The Bears' inconsistent rushing attack struggled against a Tampa Bay unit that has dominated the ground all year. Williams acknowledged the defense played exceptionally well against his team's offensive struggles. The 7-2 record remains the primary outcome as the team takes the week off.
