Bears at Buccaneers: Highlights, score and recap

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers destroy the Chicago Bears in Week 2, 29-7. Here are all the highlights, the game recap and the final score.

Let’s just say that Mike Glennon’s return to South Florida was a forgettable one. His new team in the Chicago Bears absolutely did not build on their Week 1 moral victory versus the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago came out completely flat, standing no chance against Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay had its Week 1 road game with the Miami Dolphins postponed until Week 11 due to Hurricane Irma wreaking havoc in South Florida. One could argue that this Week 2 game with the Bears was essentially a second consecutive bye for the Buccaneers, as they cruised past Chicago en route to victory, 29-7.

Glennon sank the Bears immediately out of the gate. He had three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) against the Mike Smith defense of the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay played with balance on offense with Winston driving the ship.

Winston’s favorite target in the Buccaneers passing game was obviously wide receiver Mike Evans. They connected for 93 yards on seven catches and a touchdown. In the ground game, head coach Dirk Koetter leaned on Jacquizz Rodgers to do the heavy lifting. He had 19 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, it was about the Buccaneers’ linebacking corps to get it down versus the Bears. Pro Bowler Lavonte David and Kendell Beckwith were the leaders of the Smith defense on Sunday for Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers have to feel great about this game. Not only did they take it to the Bears the entire time, but they showed a great home-field advantage for once. The NFC South might be the best division in the NFC. Tampa Bay could end up being the team that wins its first division title since 2007 at season’s end.

Three Stars

1. Mike Evans: Evans had seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.
2. Jacquizz Rodgers: Rodgers had 19 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.
3. Lavonte David: David had nine tackles, eight solo, one for a loss of yardage and a fumble recovery.

Highlights

Next Game

The Bears have a tough task ahead of them in Week 3. They will host the Pittsburgh Steelers for an early afternoon kickoff at Soldier Field. CBS will have the 1:00 p.m. ET telecast on September 24.

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Tampa Bay will have a difficult road game ahead of them in Week 3. The Buccaneers will have to travel to Minneapolis to face their former NFC Central rival in the Minnesota Vikings. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on September 24. FOX will have the broadcast.