The Chicago Bears haven’t trailed in a game since October 11th. They haven’t trailed with Caleb Williams since September 20th. They look to continue their domination against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
The Bucs have won 3 of their last 4 and look to continue their winning ways against the Bears. To get you set for this game, we chatted with Ira Kaufman, a long-time Bucs reporter (and Hall of Fame voter), currently with JoeBucsFan, for insight on the Bears. Here’s that Q&A.
1.
Do the Tampa fans have any confidence in Todd Bowles? I know the Bucs are just a half game out of first, but this is a team that is 5-12 over their last 17 games.
Todd Bowles remains an unpopular figure for much of Buc Nation. Fans aren’t happy with his clock management or his placid demeanor on the sidelines, suggesting he is being out-coached on a regular basis. A recent poll on the joebucsfan.com website revealed that more than 70 percent of voters have little or no confidence in Bowles, who is 38-38 since replacing Bruce Arians in 2022.
2. I feel like if Tampa is going to be competitive this week, Baker Mayfield is going to have to be effective in the passing game. Is he at a point where he can do that with the injured thumb? He’s only thrown 14 passes the last two weeks.
Mayfield said this week that his injured right thumb has progressed to the point he no longer needs to wear a glove for support. Since he returned, Mayfield has thrown sparingly as Tampa Bay relied on a powerful ground game to defeat Carolina and Atlanta, climbing back into the race for the NFC South title.
3. The Bucs have certainly been powered by their running game, and the Bears have been susceptible to giving up some yards on the ground this season. Enter Jeffery Simmons. How do you think the Bucs can run the football against the Bears’ new front with Big Jeff?
We just saw Simmons make an immediate impact as the Bears shut down Seattle on the road Monday night. However, the Seahawks don’t have an elite running back like Bucky Irving, who is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Add in Kenneth Gainwell and a physical offensive line, and it’s fair to say Chicago’s rush defense faces a major challenge. It’s the best way for the Bucs to keep Caleb Williams and company watching from the sidelines.
4. Who is a lesser-known player on the Bucs offense and one on the Bucs defense that you think could have an impact in this game that fans may not know a lot about?
The Bucs are looking for a No. 1 target to emerge in the wake of Mike Evans’ departure to the 49ers. Rookie Ted Hurst has shown flashes as a big-bodied WR who can get downfield. He earned Mayfield’s trust during an impressive training camp, and he could be a factor Sunday night. On defense, second-year pro David Walker is developing into a dynamic pass rusher who could pressure Williams into mistakes.
5. The Bucs defense has been playing excellent football. What is the key to this unit that sets them apart?
Bowles overhauled his defense in the offseason, adding veterans like Al-Quadin Muhammad, A’Shawn Robinson, Alex Anzalone, and rookie Josiah Trotter. It took a few weeks, but this revamped unit has grown comfortable with the aggressive, blitzing schemes Bowles is known for. Cornerbacks Jacob Parrish (league-leading 13 pass breakups) and Zyon McCollum have been exceptional.
