Bears quarterback Caleb Williams got off to a hot start Sunday night, but three second-quarter interceptions have allowed the Buccaneers to hang on. But Tampa Bay hasn’t been able to do much with all the extra opportunities.
Chicago leads 17-6 at halftime.
With a 14-3 lead in the second quarter, the Bears looked like they would go up 21-3 as they faced little resistance from the Tampa Bay defense.
But on second-and-21, Williams was looking for Rome Odunze in the end zone when Tykee Smith stepped in front of the pass to pick it off. The Bucs answered right back when Baker Mayfield ran into a QB steal on fourth-and-1 from their 35.
Williams gave it away again on his next pass, when he hit the field for a touchdown. This pass was picked off by Zyon McCollum.
But again, the Bucs got nothing out of it, as they had to punt.
Williams’ third interception came on what appeared to be a layup attempt. But McCollum was able to pick up another with a dive, and the play was reversed on review.
Chase McLaughlin hit a 21-yard field goal as time expired in the second half after coach Todd Bowles decided not to go for a shot with the clock running out at :03.
That means the Buccaneers managed just three points from three second quarter plays.
A week after not completing a single pass in a win, Baker Mayfield is 11-of-19 passing for 139 yards with an interception. The Bucs are just 1-of-6 on third down.
Williams is 14 of 23 for 193 yards with two touchdowns and three picks. It’s his first multi-turnover game since Week 3 of his rookie season in 2024. Williams had never thrown three picks as a pro before this game.
Luther Burden has three catches for 81 yards with one touchdown. Rome Odunze has four receptions for 60 yards with one TD.
The Bears are 6-of-7 on third down.
Tampa Bay will start the second half with a chance to double.