Game Recap: Buccaneers Beat Down Bears In Defensive Domination, 27-17
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought the game down to the wire but were able to get their second consecutive win on the season beating the Chicago Bears 27-17 on Sunday afternoon.
Baker Mayfield ended the day going 26 for 34 with 317 yards and a touchdown. Mike Evans led all receivers with six receptions for 171 yards and a score. While Rachaad White added 73 yards on the ground and a score with a 4.3 yards per carry average.
Receiving the ball to start the game the Buccaneers marched down the field aided by two big third-down conversions by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Though they almost had two turnovers on the drive. A close call on a fumble by Rachaad White who was ruled down by contact. As well as a near pick by Baker Mayfield targeting Evans, were overcome and led to three points on a 26-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin.
The Bucs' defense was gashed their first time on the field. Aided by two big completions to D.J. Moore Justin Fields ran into the end zone untouched putting the Bears up 7-3 mid way through the first quarter. Completions of 33 and 31 yards to Moore set the Bears offense in excellent position to get the go-ahead score.
The Bucs came out strong running the ball on their next drive. Mayfield did his best Houdini impersonation escaping a sack and running for eight yards. While a 24-yard catch and run into Bears territory by Godwin helped extend the drive. However, a miscommunication on third down just outside of the red zone led to a field goal attempt that was blocked by Rasheem Green. Justin Skule was blown up on the play that set the Bears up on their next drive at the 50-yard line.
Shaq Barrett dialed up the heat on the first play of the Bears' drive breaking into the backfield sacking Fields for no gain. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka made sure no points would come on their second drive of the game sacking Fields on third down for a loss of 11 yards.
WATCH: Mike Evans Makes Massive 70-Yard Catch Setting up Buccaneers Touchdown
Mayfield to Evans on a 70-yard catch and run on the first play of the series set the Bucs up at the seven-yard line. Three plays later White pounded it in the endzone for the go-ahead score to put Tampa Bay up 10-7 early into the second quarter.
The Bucs' defense built off their last drive forcing a quick 3-and-out for the Bears offense. Shutting down Chicago's run game and sniffing out a screen pass to force the punt. Tampa Bay's offense couldn't capitalize on possession after a holding penalty backed them up and had to punt themselves.
Rookie running back Rochon Johnson got the Bears offense into Bucs territory on their next series picking up 29-yards on an outside run. Chicago converted a big third down on a pass to Cole Kmet, but on the next play, Vita Vea swallowed up Fields with Yaya Diaby for a sack and a loss of three on the play. Cam Gill delivered a huge hit to Fields on third down getting the strip-sack that was recovered by Chicago.
A 52-yard field goal by former Bucs kicker Cairo Santos notched the game at 10 with under two minutes remaining in the half.
LIVE UPDATES: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears
Working in their two-minute offense the Bucs marched the ball down the field. Aided by a 20-yard reception by Trey Palmer and a nine-yard scramble by Mayfield and personal foul penalty. The Bucs had two shots at the end zone with 22 seconds left. Unable to punch it in, the Bucs ended the half with 25-yard field goal to take the lead 13-10.
The Bears received the ball to start the second half and while they were able to convert two third downs the Bucs' defense came up with a big stop on the back of another sack by Tryon-Shoyinka. This time for a 10- yards loss, forcing a Chicago punt.
Evans continued to be a problem for the Bears' defense on their first drive of the second half. A gain of 36-yards on a nine-yard catch set the Bucs up at mid-field. From there the Bucs continued to string plays together to get into Chicago territory. A huge third down conversion by White was preceded by an amazing diving throw and catch by Mayfield to Otton to keep the drive alive.
A scary moment on the drive happened when tight end David Wells fumbled the ball on second down, but an aware Mayfield hopped on the ball to keep Tampa Bay in possession. The next play on third and 14, Mayfield aired it out down the left sideline to an open Mike Evans for a 36-yard touchdown and a 20-10 lead.
The Bucs brought plenty of pressure on the Bears' next drive. The defense nearly had two turnovers on the play that were reversed. A stip sack by Devin White was overturned and an interception by Zyon McCollum was ruled an incomplete pass. Still, Tampa Bay was able to force another Bears punt on the possession.
WATCH: Baker Mayfield Connects With Mike Evans For Huge Touchdown
After scoring on their last two possessions, The Bears' defense was able to shut down the Bucs' offense forcing a three-and-out. Tampa Bay's defense answered right back forcing a quick punt of their own.
The Bucs punted on the ensuing possession and the Bears began to put together a drive. This time the defense was unable to come up with a stop. Fields and the Bears' offense went 90 yards in just under four minutes. Fields found Chase Claypool for a 20-yard touchdown reception to bring the score to 20-17.
With a chance to keep the clock moving and put the game away, the Bucs failed to get the third down conversion they needed. Jake Camarada punted the ball back to Chicago with under two and a half minutes to go. Though they would have the entire field to go starting their drive at the seven-yard line.
The Bucs defense needed one more stop on the day and got it when Shaq Barrett ended any chance of a Bears comeback with a pick-six of Fields to put the game away.
A second sack by Vita Vea and an interception by Christian Izien on the Bears' final drive ended any chance of a comeback. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs kneeled out the clock for a 27-17 win.
The Bucs moved to 2-0 on the season and will get ready to host the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 3.
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
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