Bucs Implode in Smith’s Return to Chicago

Nov 23, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback

(6) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle

(93) in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Lovie Smith’s return to Chicago looked to be going well for 30 minutes but wound up turning into another disaster.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blew a 10-0 half time lead as they surrendered 21 third quarter points to the Chicago Bears Sunday afternoon.

Josh McCownhad two turnovers in less than 30 seconds midway through the third quarter giving the Bears (5-6) the ball inside the Buccaneers’ 20-yard line and scoring touchdowns both times.

The Bears got a two-yard touchdown on their first possession of the second half as Jay Cutler hit Alshon Jeffery to cut the lead to 10-7 before McCown and the Bucs (2-9) imploded.

With 5:09 left in the third, McCown scrambled out of the pocket and was sacked from behind byDavid Bassand the ball was recovered byStephen Paea. On the very next play,Matt Forteran it in from 13 yards out.

On the Bucs’ next offensive play, McCown was picked off byRyan Mundyas he overthrewCharles Sims. Four plays later, Forte was in the end zone again to give the Bears a 21-10 lead.

The Bucs offense responded on their next possession butVincent Jacksonfumbled at the four-yard line andTim Jenningsrecovered. The turnover was reviewed and while it appeared Jackson had an elbow down, the ruling on the field stood.

Tampa Bay got a 38-yard field goal fromPatrick Murraywith 4:56 left in the fourth quarter but never got in a position for the potential game-tying touchdown.

The first half was all Tampa Bay as they got a 19-yard touchdown reception fromMike Evansand a 32-yard field goal by Murray in the second quarter. The Bucs defence held the Bears to just 68 yards of offense.

The Bears wound up with just 204 yards of offense but their defence forced four turnovers and shut down the Bucs’ running game. Tampa Bay also committed nine penalties as they unravelled in the second half as the offence showed ineptitude for extended periods of time.

McCown threw for 341 yards while bothJackson(117) andLouis Murphy(113) both had 100-yard receiving games.

Mason Fosterhad a team-high eight tackles whileDanny Lansanahhad seven as the Bucs played admirably on defence withoutLavonte David, who was inactive with a hamstring injury.

Gerald McCoyhad a sack that setup the touchdown pass to Evans whileJacquies SmithandClinton McDonaldalso managed to get to Cutler.

The Buccaneers return home next Sunday as they host the Cincinnati Bengals.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle

Follow