The Bucs opened the 2023 regular season with an upset road win over the Vikings on Sunday, thanks to a strong day on defense, a no-turnover performance on offense, and Chase McLaughlin’s 57-yard field goal. They won 20-17. . Now, Tampa Bay returns to Raymond James Stadium this Sunday looking to turn a 1-0 into 2-0. The Chicago Bears are scheduled to play in the Bucs’ home opener, a game in which Todd Bowles’ team enters as the favorite to win.
lastly…
Bucks S. Antwan Winfield Jr. – Photo courtesy of USA Today
The Bucks and Bears last faced off in 2021. Tampa Bay wins 38-3 at Raymond James Stadium. Things started early for Tom Brady and the team, with a Leonard Fournette touchdown and two Brady passing scores (one to Chris Godwin, one to Mike Evans) putting the home team up to 21 by the end of the first quarter. It started at -0.
The second of those touchdown tosses was Brady’s 600th career passing touchdown, with Evans infamously throwing the ball into the stands after scoring (although the ball eventually returned). Evans scored two more touchdowns in the second half to seal the victory.
The Bucks’ defense sacked then-rookie Justin Fields four times and forced five turnovers (including three interceptions) in the win. Since that game, Tampa Bay’s offense has committed a lot of turnovers, about the same as the defense looking to replicate what it did against Fields and Chicago.
What are the trends for the Bucks and Bears?
The Bucks are coming off a big road win to open the season, but fell behind early and tried to come back to beat the Vikings in a tough environment. It was a come-from-behind victory for Tampa Bay, which at one point was trailing by 6.5 points over the defending NFC North champions.
This win not only moves Todd Bowles’ team to 1-0, but it also turns things around and could be a huge help in future playoff tie-break scenarios. But don’t go too far. As for what’s in front of them, the Bucks have a chance to reach 2-0 for the third straight season this weekend. They’re also certainly looking to right the wrongs of 2022, when they didn’t get a win in the first game in front of their home fans in Tampa.
Things didn’t start out so well in Week 1 when it came to the Bears. With Aaron Rodgers gone in Green Bay and Jordan Love taking over at center for the Packers, things could have been different between the Bears. Both sides. Instead, that wasn’t the case, as Love and the Packers thoroughly defeated the Bears, 38-20.
Justin Fields was sacked four times, threw a pick-six and had one fumble. Fields and his teammates were just 3-of-13 on third down, seemingly canceling some of the hype and hopes that the team might have been under siege ahead of Week 1. Now they’ll be looking for a win on the road in Tampa. It’s to restore some optimism heading into next week’s big road game against the Chiefs.
What will decide the Bucks vs. Bears matchup?
Bucs S. Antwon Winfield Jr. and OLB Shaquil Barrett – Photo courtesy of USA Today
What this game ultimately boils down to is at least tod bowles Defense – What are you limiting? Justin Fields His feet can do it. Fields, currently in his third season, is still developing as a quarterback. His decision-making in the pocket still needs improvement, and he wasn’t very impressive through the air against Green Bay in Week 1.
Even in 2022, when the former Ohio State star showed promise, he was an even bigger threat on the ground, with 11 interceptions. Fields rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns last year and can do damage with both designed runs and out-of-structure plays.
So, knowing Fields’ obvious strengths and the weaknesses he’s still trying to fix, the Bucks must do everything they can to keep him in the pocket. Yes, the Bears will likely try to establish a ground game with Fields and not just Fields. Khalil Herbert, donta foreman and Roshon Johnson.
But if Tampa Bay sticks to their mandate and stops giving up runs like they did in Week 1, Chicago will be forced into a clear overtaking situation. If that happens, carlton davis and/or Jamel Dean – similarly Christian Isien (if you are healthy) – you need to perform the task of stopping the receiver DJ Moore, darnell mooney and tight end Cole Kmet.
But the real key in these passing situations is to prevent Fields from improvising.The Bucks will probably hire him. Devin White As a quarterback spy, it’s a lot like Monte Kiffin did with Derrick Brooks when Tampa Bay was faced with the challenge of stopping Michael Vick during his time with the Falcons. Whether it’s getting to Fields with heavy blitzes or exotic pressures (or a combination of both), the top priority is to limit what the Bears’ dual-threat signal-caller can do in the run game. That’s probably true.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and WR Trey Palmer – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Offensively, the deciding factor for the Bucks may be how they start. Of course, they just proved in Week 1 that they can win tough games without having the best start. baker mayfield And the offense only managed one first down before the final drive of the first half. But it was a great drive to end the first half, a game-changing interception by Isian, a long drive to start the second half, and a great field goal. Chase McLaughlinthe Bucks overcame a bad start.
A better start against the Bears would go a long way in helping the Bucks succeed and put them in great position to move to 2-0. If the offense can score some points early and maybe build a lead on a few possessions, the defense could potentially play a role. If Tampa Bay has a significant lead, Chicago will be forced to throw the ball and get back into the game, and if the visiting team attempts to do so, it will give Bowles the opportunity to send a ton of pressure, creating even more opportunities for turnovers. Probably.
But how can this offense get a better start to the game in Week 2? Get it Ratchard White Getting into a rhythm early on will be very helpful and would be smart for offensive coordinators. Dave Canales to get mike evans and chris godwin Get involved as early as possible.There shouldn’t be such a world Co-Kyevto You’re getting the majority of your targets early in the game, even if those plays were probably open. With better performance from the plate and playmakers involved early and often on offense, the Bucks should be able to set themselves up for a win.
Key players to watch
Bucks TE Cade Otton – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
While getting the ball is important for the Bucs, mike evans and chris godwin 2nd year tight end Cade Otton The game against Chicago may be one to watch. In Week 1, he only had three targets and caught two of them for 19 yards. However, he was heavily involved in training camp and the preseason, so it wouldn’t be too surprising to see him build a bigger presence. Matchups may also help. Last week, the Bears allowed rookie tight end Luke Musgrave 50 yards on three catches, but the leak concept has been a big problem for the Chicago defense.
As for the Bucks’ defense: Devin White It’s worth a lot of attention. He was absolutely remarkable against the Vikings in Week 1, flying for the ball and recording a team-high 12 tackles. These weren’t just tackles on the field. He came up with some key run stops near the line of scrimmage and recorded a tackle for loss. White, who is in his contract year, started the 2023 season with a 90.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. His speed allows him to ruin games against the Bears, especially when: Justin Fields That’s his responsibility.
What the Bears need DJ Moore Chicago gave up the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and acquired Moore and four draft picks. That’s why it was puzzling when the former Panther had just two catches for 25 yards on two targets against the Packers last week. Fields wants to continue broadcasting a little longer, so he will need to establish a connection with a new No. 1 receiver. In 10 career games with Tampa Bay, Moore has caught 58 passes for 766 yards and three touchdowns, building on his previous success.
Yannick Ngakoue That’s probably something to be concerned about as a Bears pass rusher. He will be looking to bounce back from one sack and two tackles for loss in Week 1. baker mayfield on sunday. In fact, the Buccaneer offense protected Mayfield well against the Vikings, ranking seventh in the league in pass protection. Based on aggregated measurements. If Ngakoue is neutralized by Tampa Bay’s offense, Chicago’s defense may not have much to throw at Mayfield.
Bucks vs. Bears game information
when: Sunday, September 17th
where: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
kick off: 1:00 PM ET
tv set: FOX – Joe Davis (Play by Play), Darryl Johnston (Analyst), Pam Oliver (Reporter)
Bucks Radio: 98Rock – Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (color), TJ Ribbs (reporter)
Spanish radio: 96.1 Caliente – Carlos Bojorquez (play by play), Martin Gramatica (analyst)
