Sportsgrid-Staff

Buccaneers Defense Shines as Bears' Fields Struggles

When we talk about the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl">NFL</a>, it&#8217;s crucial to acknowledge that any team, on their day, can show up and deliver a performance that belies their season&#8217;s form. But when the Chicago Bears took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the narrative felt all too familiar.
Check out SportsGrid&#8217;s <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/picks">NFL game picks</a> and <a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/player-props">NFL Props Picks</a> all Season Long.
Let&#8217;s face it: the Buccaneers are on a roll. Undefeated at 2-0, it might be tempting to lavish praise on their triumph over the Bears. But while a win is a win, it&#8217;s hard to get too thrilled about beating a side that is arguably one of the most underwhelming teams in the league right now. The Bears, to put it mildly, seem to be struggling mightily.
Justin Fields, the much-hyped Bears&#8217; quarterback, might not have had the worst game, but the overarching feeling is that he isn’t living up to the expectations that surrounded his entry into the league. Yes, he&#8217;s athletic, and yes, he can run. But those two interceptions per game are hard to overlook. Clocking in at an average of about 200 yards each week, it&#8217;s clear that Fields is either stagnating or facing challenges he can&#8217;t surmount on his own.
On the flip side, there&#8217;s an electric charge to the Buccaneers. Not only do they have a commendable defense, but in Baker Mayfield, they have a gritty quarterback unafraid to take risks. The connection between Baker and Mike Evans is palpable. Regardless of Baker&#8217;s journey in the NFL, he&#8217;s found a rhythm with the Buccaneers that is resonating with fans and delivering results.
Sure, the Bears might have their issues – from criticisms of their arsenal to critiques of their coaching staff. But it&#8217;s not just a matter of a few games. It&#8217;s been a recurring theme over two-plus years. On the other hand, the Bucs are cementing their reputation as a team to watch and surprise in a weak division. Win or lose, they promise entertainment, and they&#8217;re living up to that expectation.
<a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/newsletter/?utm_source=msn_feed&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter">Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.</a>

2 Teams, Dueling Narratives: Unpacking the Bucs and Bears Very Different Starts

The Edmonton Oilers are once again trailing early in Game 2 of their playoff series vs. the Vegas Golden Knights, but now is the time to bet them at +175.

The Edmonton Oilers Game Betting Tips: Conquer the Odds!

Despite early setbacks and penalties, the Edmonton Oilers have rallied, scoring 5 straight wins to overcome initial struggles in the 2025 NHL playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers' Winning Streak Despite Early Setbacks

The Vegas Golden Knights must capitalize on back-to-back power plays to maintain momentum against the Edmonton Oilers, who you know are going to score.

Vegas Golden Knights: Key Power Play Opportunities

LATEST VIDEOS

Chicago Bears,Ryan Poles  Kevin Warren,NFC,NFC North,Tampa Bay Buccaneers,Jason Licht  Art Rooney II,NFC South

keywords

twitter:card

twitter:title

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumnbail-webp/article/1841665-1920x1080.webp?v=1746789416

twitter:image

thumbnail

google

The Bucs are cementing their reputation as a team to watch and surprise in a weak division, while Chicago is just proving weak. Why such opposite starts between them?

description

expires

robots

og:locale

og:site_name

og:type

og:title

og:description

og:image

og:image:type

og:image:width

og:image:height

og:image:secure_url

article:published_time

article:modified_time

Predicting the Landing Spots for the Top 125 NFL Free Agents

2026 NFL Draft: 33rd Team Releases Way-Too-Early Mock, Surprise At #1 (1-32)

Top 10 Rookies With the Highest Odds to Win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

Dane Brugler's Way Too Early 2026 1st Round NFL Mock Draft

Ranking the Best Remaining 15 NFL Free Agents

Steelers Casualties: Wide Receivers That Didn't Stick Around

Winners & Losers From the Steelers-Cowboys George Pickens Trade

Ranking the Top 10 NFL WR Duos: Where Do Lamb & Pickens Fall?

2026 NFL Draft: 33rd Team Releases Way-Too-Early Mock, Surprise At #1 (1-16)

Mel Kiper's Biggest NFL Draft Busts of All Time

Comment

Home

Articles

SportsGrid is your source for the best sports bets today. Watch SportsGrid for live sports news coverage, scores, odds, moneylines, sports betting tips & more.

sportsgrid.com

Ferrall Coast To Coast

College Football Today

NFL Pro Football Today

Bare Knuckle Fighting Main Event

The Early Line Live

SportsRage Tonight Live

NewsWire Live

The Bostonian Vs. The Book

Bare Knuckle Fighting Knuckle Up

MODUS Super Series Darts

Gametime Decisions Live

Fantasy Sports Today

The Smylie Kaufman Show

NHL Today

Ferrall Coast To Coast From Super Bowl Week

Ferrall Coast To Coast Live From Super Bowl Week

NFL Super Bowl Pro Football Today

2025 NFL Draft Special

OUR SHOWS

Exploring the MLB West: Mariners, A's, Astros, Rangers—analyzing run differentials and core team strengths. Matt Lutovsky joins to break down the division.

Exploring the AL West's Four-Team Race After the Opening Month

AL East twist: Yankees dominate subtly, Red Sox and Rays challenge. Orioles falter. Long season ahead for all. Matt Lutovsky joins to break down the race.

AL East Division Race: Yankees and Red Sox Sit Atop

Aaron Judge tops AL MVP odds, leading Alex Bregman and Cal Raleigh after their standout seasons. Matt Lutovsky joins to break down why the race might be over.

Exploring Current AL MVP Odds: Is Aaron Judge the Clear Winner?

2025's top AL pitchers: Max Fried shines with Yankees; Tyler Mahle impresses with standout skills. Matt Lutovsky joins to break down who is worth a wager.

AL Cy Young Race Heats Up Between 4 Elite Starters

LATEST SPORTSGRID VIDEOS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on and how to watch SportsGrid today.

Where to Watch SportsGrid | How to Watch SportsGrid | SportsGrid

Samsung TV Plus

Roku TV

FireTV

LG Channels

Vizio

Xiaomi

VIDAA

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Connected TV’s

FREE ON MY TV

Amazon Prime Video

YouTube TV

FuboTV

Plex

Sling Tv

FreeCast

Local Now

Stremium

Rad TV

Free Live Sports

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Streaming services

LIVE STREAMING SERVICES

Sirius XM

Sports.Tv

YouTube

Download the new SportsGrid app, watch on SportsGrid.com or our YouTube Channel

WEB/MOBILE

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following platforms

ALL PARTNERS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on:

WHERE TO WATCH SPORTSGRID

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos