The Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-24, on Sunday Night Football to improve to 7-2 and first place in the NFC North. But the game didn't exactly play out the way the Bears had expected.
After Chicago jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, everyone expected another Carolina Panthers type of game where the Bears had dropped 59 points in Week 1. Instead, things quickly spiraled after a sloppy red-zone series on offense that went from a sure-fire third touchdown to the first of four interceptions by quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Buccaneers defense made life difficult on Chicago's offense until the final drive, but the Bears defense was able to carry the load with defensive star Jeffery Simmons leading the charge for a unit that totaled
four sacks and two interceptions.
During an appearance on "First Things First," Bears coach Ben Johnson explained that the postgame locker room wasn't as enthusiastic as it's been this season after the game didn't go the way they expected. Johnson also shared a message he received from his dad, which he shared with the team, that perfectly encapsulated the situation.
"I shared this with the guys. My dad sent me a quote: 'Only mediocre people can be at their best all the time,'" Johnson said. "...As a team, to be able to still find a way to win and other guys step up and fill the void, I think that’s what good teams do."
While the game didn't play out the way the Bears expected, particularly with the offense, the fact that they were able to win despite five turnovers speaks volumes about their team. A win is a win, and there are no style points. While the defense carried the offense in this one, there have been -- and will be -- times where the offense will have to do the same for the defense.
One of the best things about Johnson's "Good, Better, Best" speech after wins is that it's a reminder to the team that there's always room to improve. And the fact that Chicago has yet to play their best football -- despite sitting at 7-2 and atop their division -- is encouraging for the rest of the season and beyond.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson had the best message for Bears after ugly win vs. Bucs
