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Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keys for a Chicago victory
The Bears aim for a four-game win streak heading into their bye week as they face a top‑5 Buccaneers defense this Sunday. Analysts say Chicago must sustain long drives, score early and keep the Bucs off the field, while exploiting the loss of rookie edge rusher YaYa Diaby. Defensive star Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat are expected to pressure Baker Mayfield, and the Bears’ offense, led by Caleb Williams, should repeat the successful game plan that beat Seattle. Special teams caution is advised, as Tampa’s unit ranks among the league’s best.
2027 Bears mock draft: Post-Jeffery Simmons trade picks
The Bears enter the 2027 draft without a first‑round pick after trading it (and a future 2028 pick) to the Titans for All‑Pro DT Jeffery Simmons, who shone in a win over the Seahawks. With cornerback Jaylon Johnson likely to be released and Tyrique Stevenson facing free agency, Chicago’s top need is a new CB, landing Zabien Brown from Alabama in the second round. In round three they target interior pass‑rusher Mateen Ibirogba, a former edge player now at Texas Tech. A fifth‑round pick from the Falcons, Antwan Raymond of Rutgers, offers depth at running back. The mock outlines how Chicago could rebuild its defense and add skill‑position depth without a first‑rounder.
Chicago Bears News: Injury updates show progress… but…
The Bears receive mixed injury news ahead of Sunday night’s matchup with Tampa Bay. While new DT Jeffery Simmons continues to impress, left tackle Theo Benedet returns to practice and the defensive line sees upgrades, rookie Kyle Monangai remains sidelined with toe and thumb injuries and likely won’t return before the bye week. The report also notes the Buccaneers adding LT Tristan Wirfs to their injury list. Fans get a quick rundown of who’s ready and who isn’t as Chicago gears up for the game.
NFL Trade Deadline: Khalil Mack wants to stay in L.A.
As the NFL trade deadline looms, rumors link Chicago Bears to Chargers star linebacker Khalil Mack, but both coach Jin Harbaugh and Mack confirm he wants to stay in Los Angeles. In a press conference, Harbaugh called Mack "one of the pillars" of the team, and Mack told The Athletic he’s focused on helping the winless Chargers improve despite external chatter. With the Chargers firm on retaining him, the Bears must look elsewhere for pass‑rush talent.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens Open Thread!
Windy City Gridiron opens a members‑only forum to chat about Thursday Night Football as the Jacksonville Jaguars face the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 6, 2026. The Ravens, dealing with injuries to Lamar Jackson and Snoop Huntley, have added former Bears QB Austin Reed as a backup and will start UDFA Joe Fagnano despite a recent ding. A trade for Jacoby Brissett was reported but won’t take effect until next week. Fans can join the exclusive WCG‑MA thread or the broader NFL Feed to discuss the matchup.
Bears vs. Bucs Injury Report: Monangai DNP, Benedet and Jarrett Upgraded
The Chicago Bears head into Sunday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with key injury updates. Linebacker D’Marco Jackson (ankle) and rookie running back Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) are listed as DNP, while Monangai misses his fourth game and may sit again. On the bright side, offensive lineman Theo Benedet (shoulder) and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (groin) move to limited status, and DB Malik Muhammad remains limited. The Bears also placed RB Zavier Scott on IR and added Stephen Carlson after waiving Kentavius Street. The Buccaneers report OLB Yaya Diaby (knee) and WR Chris Godwin Jr. (rest) as DNP, with A’Shawn Robinson and S Tykee Smith limited. The matchup kicks off at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.
Josh Blackwell is the Chicago Bears’ Nominee for 2026 Salute to Service Award
The NFL has named Chicago Bears defensive back Josh Blackwell as the team's 2026 nominee for the USAA‑backed Salute to Service Award, honoring his two‑year involvement with Naval Station Great Lakes and outreach to military families. Blackwell’s talks with recruits, autograph sessions, and personal story inspire service members, echoing the award’s 16‑year tradition. Fans can vote now through November 30, with finalists announced in January and the winner revealed at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles.
Caleb Williams is a top-five NFL QB, and he’s doing it his way
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and former Heisman winner, cements his place among the league’s top five QBs in his third season. After a rocky rookie year with a 58.1% completion rate, he now posts a 70.9% rate—second only to Joe Burrow—while leading the Bears toward a potential 4,000-yard passing season despite missing three games. Williams embraces the pressure, focusing on winning and mastering the “little things,” from precise checkdowns to deep strikes, proving he can thrive against elite defenses like Seattle’s. His steady improvement signals a true game‑manager ready to elevate a QB‑starved franchise.
NFL Week 9 Chicago Bears game preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Chicago Bears aim to cap a three‑game primetime streak at 3‑0 before their bye week, but they face a revitalized Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. The Bucs, coming off a 16‑0 shutout of Atlanta, have improved to 3‑5 after a 0‑4 start, boasting the league‑best defense but a struggling passing attack—only 62 yards through the air in the past two weeks. Running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell each average 5 yards per carry, while quarterback Baker Mayfield plays through a thumb injury. The Bears enter as 6½‑point favorites, but recent close losses (including a 27‑17 defeat in 2023) suggest the game could be tighter than the spread implies.
Caleb Williams Week 8 QB Grade: Bears @ Seahawks Film Breakdown
Caleb Williams delivered his most impressive outing yet in Week 8, guiding the Chicago Bears to a 34-17 victory at Seattle’s Lumen Field. Facing the NFL’s top-ranked defense that had never allowed a 200‑yard passer, Williams threw 24‑of‑34 for 247 yards, one TD and no interceptions, earning a 101.0 passer rating. The Bears amassed 363 total yards, dominated time of possession (35:03) and became only the fourth team since 2025 to post positive EPA against Mike Macdonald’s unit. Williams’ poise under pressure—joining the likes of Mahomes and Allen in positive EPA under duress—proved he can both escape rushes and make efficient throws, cementing this as a landmark performance.
Bears-Seahawks Upon Further Review: A Closer Look at the Referees
The Bears cruise to a 34‑17 win over the Seahawks at Lumen Field on Nov. 2, 2026, but the game’s officiating sparks intense debate. Chicago defensive end Grady Jarrett (50) challenges a first‑half call, while a fourth‑quarter delay of game wipes away a Seahawks tackle‑for‑loss, setting up Kalif Raymond’s 39‑yard lateral that brings Chicago to the goal line. The article grades each flag and no‑call on a four‑tier scale, noting that most decisions by crew chief Shawn Smith were deemed correct, though several controversial calls—like a missed hit on Sam Darnold and an offensive pass‑interference on Jaxon Smith‑Njigba—draw fan backlash. A detailed breakdown of each quarter’s key penalties and their impact is provided.
How the Chicago Bears Are Controlling the Clock This Season
The Chicago Bears dominate games by controlling the clock, posting a league‑leading 35:26 average time of possession. A 17‑play, 80‑yard opening drive against Seattle on Nov. 2 consumed 8:32, illustrating their extended‑drive skill. Coach Ben Johnson credits relentless third‑down drills, noting the Bears convert 44.3% of third‑down attempts (5th NFL) while the defense allows just 23.8% (best in the league). Star QB Caleb Williams highlights the mix of explosive plays—like his laser throw to Odunze and Luther Burden III’s 24‑yard TD on 3rd‑and‑17—that keep drives efficient. This blend of efficient possession and big‑play capability defines Chicago’s tempo‑setting approach this season.
Chicago Bears News: Jeffery Simmons is making an impact
Jeffery Simmons is emerging as the new leader of the Chicago Bears' defense after a strong performance against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 2, 2026. The Bears, now 6‑2, face a key Sunday night matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but lose offensive tackle Braxton Jones to season‑ending knee surgery and defensive lineman Kentavius Street to IR. With Simmons stepping up and the team riding momentum, Chicago hopes to sustain its early‑season surge despite the mounting injury concerns.
Bears Over Beers: Big Jeff and Bears Prepare For Prime Time vs. Bucs
In this episode of Bears Over Beers, hosts Ryan Droste and Bryan Orenchuk break down the Chicago Bears' upcoming Sunday Night Football showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They preview how the Bears will tackle Bucs stars Bucky Irving and Baker Mayfield, reflect on the Bears' recent dominant win over Seattle, and set the stage for the prime‑time clash. Listeners can stream the video or podcast across major platforms.
Reviewing the Bears’ PFN grades from Week 8 vs. Seahawks
The Bears dominate Week 8, beating Seattle 34-17 to improve to 6-2. Pro Football Network Impact grades highlight standout performances: QB Caleb Williams posts a 78.0 rating (10th among 28 QBs) with top EPA metrics, while RB D’Andre Swift earns 81.4 (6th among RBs). WR Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze rank among the league’s best pass‑catchers, and guards Jonah Jackson (85.1) and Joe Thuney (82.4) secure top‑ten grades. On defense, rookie DT Jeffery Simmons shines with an 89.9 rating (3rd among DTs), adding a sack and six tackles, and DE Montez Sweat (80.0) and LB Devin Bush (82.6) each record sacks. Kicker Cairo Santos and punter Tory Taylor also post top‑10 special‑team grades.
UPDATED: Chicago Bears 16-Man Practice Squad
The Chicago Bears have a 16-man practice squad, but the list will be fluid, and we’ll update it throughout the year. UPDATE (10/6): The Bears signed wideout Scotty Miller and corner Elijah Jones. They waived corner De’Antre Prince, UPDATE (10/5): The Bears released defensive end Marcus Davenport after he requested his release; he then retired. Practice […]
Updated: Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster for 2026
Here is the Chicago Bears 53-man roster for the 2026 season, which we’ll update as transactions are made. 10/13 UPDATES: The Bears activated defensive lineman Shemar Turner from the PUP list and placed defensive end Montez Sweat on the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list. OFFENSE (23) Quarterback (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum Running back […]
NFL Trade Deadline Rumors: Bears checking on cornerbacks
The Chicago Bears, fresh off the blockbuster acquisition of All‑Pro DT Jeffery Simmons, are still hunting cornerbacks as the 2026 trade deadline looms. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says the Bears have a growing need at the position, with Washington’s Mike Sainristil and Philadelphia’s Riq Woolen emerging as potential targets, though the Commanders may not be willing to part with Sainristil. Detroit is also in the mix, and former Bear corner Nahshon Wright is on the radar. Meanwhile, the Bears are linked to edge rushers like Khalil Mack, but the Chargers appear reluctant to trade him. The deadline is Nov. 10, with the Commanders (2‑4‑1) and Eagles (2‑6) both facing roster decisions.
3 Reasons Why the Chicago Bears Won vs. the Seahawks
The Chicago Bears upset defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, and the win hinges on three key contributors beyond stars Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. Defensive end Jeffery Simmons dominated the line, cutting Seattle’s blitz rate from 40% to 15% and freeing teammates like Devin Bush, Montez Sweat and Austin Booker to make big plays. Rookie wideout Rome Odunze finally delivered, posting his best game with multiple chunk‑gain receptions and serving as a reliable target for Williams. Meanwhile, D’Andre Swift logged a modest 69 yards on 27 carries but scored three touchdowns, extending his league‑leading 10 rushing TDs and keeping the Bears’ offense moving. The article highlights how these performances shifted momentum and secured the victory.
Bears Lose OT Braxton Jones for the Year
The Chicago Bears announce that offensive tackle Braxton Jones is out for the rest of the 2026 season after undergoing right‑knee surgery. Jones suffered a partially torn patellar tendon in Week 3’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles and was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 3. The 27‑year‑old, who earned the starting left‑tackle spot on a $5 million one‑year deal, now faces an uncertain future as his contract expires after the season. Jones has logged 47 starts in 49 games since being drafted in the fifth round of 2022.
5 Bears Takes: A Blockbuster, a Blowout, and Trade Deadline Thoughts
The Bears pull off a blockbuster trade, sending their 2027 first‑ and fourth‑round picks plus a 2028 first‑rounder to the Tennessee Titans for All‑Pro DT Jeffery Simmons, signaling a full‑tilt push for the Super Bowl. Simmons, a 29‑year‑old who posted 15.5 sacks this season, joins a Chicago defense that just posted a 34‑17 road win over Seattle, improving to 6‑2 and extending a three‑game winning streak against the Falcons, Patriots and Seahawks. With a Week 10 bye looming, the article breaks down the trade’s cap implications, the multiplier effect on players like Montez Sweat, and what the move means for Chicago’s 2026 title run.
Chicago Bears Pass Protection Analysis on the Sack Allowed vs Seahawks
The Chicago Bears limited the Seattle Seahawks to just one sack in their Week 8 showdown at Lumen Field, a stark improvement over the four sacks allowed to Atlanta and three to New England since Caleb Williams returned. The lone sack came when left tackle Theo Benedet was forced back, causing Williams to scramble into the pocket before being taken down by defensive end Mike Morris. The Bears mixed tempos effectively, but the analysis highlights Benedet’s struggle and the overall sack distribution: Williams (4.5), Garrett Bradbury (3), and Benedet (2.5) after eight games. The piece compares this sack rate to the Bears' historical figures dating back to 2010.
Chicago Bears Stat Tracker Week 8: A Soaring Win
The Chicago Bears blast the Seattle Seahawks 34‑17 on Monday Night Football, with rookie QB Caleb Williams delivering a solid 24‑of‑34, 247‑yard passing performance, one touchdown and no interceptions. His TD‑INT ratio improves as Dak Prescott overtakes Jared Goff in the league chart, while the Bears edge closer to the franchise single‑season scoring record after adding 95 points in the last three games. Running backs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are on track for 1,000‑yard seasons as the Bears eye tough matchups against the Buccaneers, Saints, Lions, Jaguars and Dolphins.
Chicago Bears News: The Bears get back to work ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Chicago Bears return from their Seattle win, where rookie defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons debuted spectacularly and RB D’Andre Swift tallied three touchdowns in a 34-17 victory. Coach Ben Johnson praised quarterback Caleb Williams for mastering an “elaborate game plan” against the Seahawks. Now the Bears shift focus to Sunday’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who shocked Atlanta with a shutout win. Fans are urged to discuss the team’s progress and the impact of new additions ahead of the next game.
How confident are you in the Bears and in Caleb Williams moving forward?
The Chicago Bears have surged to a three‑game winning streak, each with 30+ points and zero turnovers, a feat only matched by 1940s teams led by Hall of Famer Sid Luckman. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the first Bear to achieve that scoring run, sparked MVP chatter after a 59‑point Week 1 outburst, though a hamstring injury sidelined him for three games. Comparisons to Joe Montana’s 1989 MVP season highlight that efficiency, not raw totals, could propel Williams into the race if the Bears stay dominant. Fans are now asked to weigh their confidence in both the team and Williams as the season heads into a third primetime game.