NEWSLETTER
If there was ever a time for Mitch Trubisky to have a big game, today would be it.
And if it’s behind the strength of a scaled back offense, so be it.
First place is on the line in Chicago as the Bears host the Buccaneers in a game that features a pair of unexpected teams at the top of their respective divisions. We all know the Bears are being led by their defense (what else is new?) and in search of their first three-game winning streak since the Marc Trestman era. And while we figured the Buccaneers would ride their offense into Soldier Field in Week 4, no one saw Ryan Fitzpatrick coming.
The Buccaneers’ starting quarterback is averaging 410 yards and three passing touchdowns in his first three games. So for the Bears to win this game, they’ll need to score touchdowns and not settle for field goals. Perhaps the Buccaneers defense will give Trubisky a window to throw. After all, Tampa’s defense has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 77.9 percent of their passes and post a 117.1 passer rating in the process. Of course, those quarterbacks who carved the Bucs were Drew Brees, Nick Foles, and Ben Roethlisberger … so maybe that bar we’re setting is a little too high right now.
At some point, Trubisky needs to show up in a big way. Because while the defense can certainly hold its own, asking it to pitch perfect games week-in, week-out is going to eventually lead to disappointment.
Game Info
Chicago Bears (2-1, 1st NFC North) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1, t-1st NFC South) – noon CT, FOX, WBBM-AM 780, WCFS-FM 105.9
Odds: Bears (-3), Over/Under 46, via the Westgate Superbook in Las Vegas.
Game Thread and Week 4 Preview
The first Sunday noon start of the year is finally here. Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun. And hopefully, we can keep the good times rolling as the Bears try to get their first three-game win streak of the Matt Nagy era.
Your Week 4 Preview lives here.
Coaches
Matt Nagy (2-1) vs. Dirk Koetter (16-19)
Starting Quarterbacks
Bears: Mitch Trubisky
Last week: 24-35, 220 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 73.5 rating
versus
Buccaneers: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Last week: 30-50, 411 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT, 81.3 rating
Bears Inactives
#Bears Inactives vs. Buccaneers
No. 17 Anthony Miller
No. 20 Prince Amukamara
No. 31 Marcus Cooper
No. 47 Isaiah Irving
No. 49 Kylie Fitts
No. 69 Rashaad Coward
No. 97 Nick Williams#TBvsCHI | #DaBears — Bears Communications (@BearsPR) September 30, 2018
That means rookie receiver Javon Wims is all in today.
Bears Expected Offensive Starters
Bears Expected Defensive Starters
Bears Specialists
Buccaneers Inactives:
Our inactives for #TBvsCHI.
📰 » https://t.co/0YIVaR3pU2#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/q2C6mVnTD9
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 30, 2018
