Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds previews the upcoming Bucs game with six quick-hitting topics. What’s at stake for the Bucs and their opponent, what will lead to a Tampa Bay victory or loss, and a couple of key matchups to watch each week.

The Buccaneers head to Chicago for a Sunday Night Football showdown with the Bears at Soldier Field. Tampa Bay hopes to build on its dominant 16-0 shutout of Atlanta, highlighted by a franchise-record 324 rushing yards. But Chicago presents a formidable challenge, entering at 6-2 after a convincing win over Seattle on Monday Night Football. The Bucs must bring their physical brand of football to prime time in hopes of winning their third game in a row.

What’s At Stake For The Bucs

For the 3-5 Buccaneers, Sunday night’s trip to Chicago represents a chance to prove that their season still has plenty of life. Tampa Bay enters Week 9 just a half a game behind in the NFC South, but another loss would make the climb back into playoff contention increasingly difficult at 3-6. A victory over the 6-2 Bears, meanwhile, would provide a major confidence boost and show that the Bucs can compete with one of the NFC’s hottest teams.

Bucs OC Zac Robinson and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The challenge is substantial. Chicago is averaging 26.8 points per game, ranking eighth in the NFL, and its 387.5 yards per contest rank third. Quarterback Caleb Williams has thrown for 1,267 yards, while the Bears have found success controlling games with a physical offense. Chicago also ranks sixth with 22 sacks and just added defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons via a trade with Tennessee.

Tampa Bay has some reasons for optimism. The Bucs are averaging 168.6 rushing yards per game, and Bucky Irving has already piled up 728 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Tampa Bay has been opportunistic, collecting 12 interceptions to lead the NFL. Its plus-four turnover differential ranks seventh. The Bucs must protect the football, sustain their ground attack and force Williams into mistakes. A prime-time road win would be a statement that Tampa Bay remains a legitimate NFC South contender at 4-5 heading into the bye winning four of its last five games, including three in a row.

What’s At Stake For The Bears

For the Bears, the Sunday Night Football matchup against the Buccaneers represents an opportunity to continue their impressive climb and strengthen their position among the NFC’s top contenders. Chicago is coming off a convincing 34-17 victory over Seattle on Monday Night Football, and another win would push the Bears to 7-2 while keeping them firmly in the hunt for the NFC North crown.

Bears HC Ben Johnson – Photo by IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

The Bears have plenty of reasons to feel confident. Their offense is averaging 387.5 yards per game, ranking third in the NFL, and 26.8 points per contest, which ranks eighth. Chicago also leads the league in time of possession at 35:26 per game, an indication of its ability to control the tempo. Caleb Williams has completed 70.9% of his passes for 1,267 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception under Ben Johnson.

Defensively, the Bears have recorded 22 sacks, tied for sixth in the league. That pass rush could be a major factor against a Tampa Bay offense averaging just 299.5 total yards per game, ranking 25th. Trading for defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons made a good unit great, and he made an instant impact with six tackles and a sack in his Bears debut on MNF. Still, Chicago cannot overlook the Bucs. Tampa Bay leads the league in takeaways and has a very opportunistic defense. The Bears must protect the football and avoid giving Todd Bowles’ defense opportunities to take the ball away.

The Bucs Win If…

The Buccaneers must bring a physical, run-first approach to Chicago and make the Bears uncomfortable on both sides of the ball if they hope to pull off a Week 9 road upset. Offensively, Tampa Bay must lean on Bucky Irving and its ground game. Irving has rushed for 728 yards and five touchdowns, and the Bucs rank eighth in rushing efficiency. Baker Mayfield cannot afford to hold the football too long. Tampa Bay should use Irving and Kenny Gainwell, quick passes, play-action and misdirection to slow the Bears’ pass rush. Chicago blitzes on 41% of dropbacks, and Tampa Bay has struggled against extra pressure.

Bucs OLB David Walker and Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Defensively, stopping Caleb Williams is the priority. The Bears rank eighth in offensive efficiency, but Tampa Bay’s defense ranks second in EPA allowed per play and first in interceptions with 12. The Bucs must disguise coverages, pressure Williams without sacrificing discipline and force him into difficult throws. Limiting explosive plays is essential, and Todd Bowles’ defense needs to keep Williams contained in the pocket.

Ultimately, Tampa Bay must win the turnover battle, control the clock, finish drives with touchdowns and run for at least 125 yards. If the Bucs execute that formula, they have a legitimate opportunity to leave Soldier Field with a statement victory.

The Bears Win If…

The Chicago Bears must protect home-field advantage and exploit Tampa Bay’s offensive limitations to secure a Week 9 victory on Sunday Night Football. Chicago has an opportunity to improve to 7-2 and strengthen its standing among the NFC’s top contenders. But the Buccaneers arrive with momentum after consecutive dominant wins over Carolina and Atlanta.

Bears DT Jeffrey Simmons – Photo by IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

Offensively, the Bears need to stay balanced and protect the football. Chicago ranks third in the NFL with 387.5 total yards per game and Caleb Williams and Co. are coming off back-to-back wins over last year’s Super Bowl teams, New England and Seattle. Ben Johnson’s balanced attack features the running of D’Andre Swift, who has 545 yards and 10 touchdowns, including three against the Seahawks. How effective will Chicago’s run game be against Tampa Bay’s second-ranked run defense?

Defensively, Chicago must stop the run first. The Bucs ran for a franchise-record 324 yards against Atlanta, with Bucky Irving gaining 170 and Kenny Gainwell adding 140. Chicago has the fourth-ranked run defense and got better with the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons. The Bears also have 22 sacks, tied for sixth in the NFL, giving them an opportunity to pressure Baker Mayfield. Control the line of scrimmage, limit turnovers and finish drives with touchdowns. That formula gives Chicago its best chance to win.

Bucs’ Key Matchup On Offense

Bucs Rushing Attack vs. Bears Run Defense

Bucky Irving and Tampa Bay’s ground game face a significant challenge Sunday night against a Chicago defense ranked fourth against the run. Irving has been outstanding, rushing for 728 yards on 147 carries, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. His 170-yard performance against Atlanta showed how explosive he can be when the offensive line creates running lanes.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

However, the Bears have several defenders capable of making life difficult. Linebackers Devin Bush and T.J. Edwards bring physicality and tackling ability, while safety Dillon Thieneman has been active around the football. Up front, Jeffrey Simmons, Grady Jarrett and the Chicago defensive line must be accounted for. Tampa Bay needs to establish Irving early, use varied run concepts, avoid predictable rushing situations, but most importantly not getting in obvious passing downs. The Bucs rank dead last in passing offense this year and have yet to have a game with more than 218 yards through the air.

The Bucs must not only have another dominant performance from their offensive line, but also the tight ends and wide receivers in the areas of run blocking. Getting some clean holes will allow Irving to use his vision and ability to make defenders miss to get to the second level. A productive ground game would Tampa Bay to control the tempo and set up Baker Mayfield with play-action pass opportunities.

Bucs’ Key Matchup On Defense

Bucs’ Pass Rush vs. Bears QB Caleb Williams

The Bucs’ pass rush must make life uncomfortable for Caleb Williams. He is completing 70.9% of his passes with six touchdowns and just one interception. Tampa Bay cannot afford to let Williams get comfortable in the pocket and dictate the game. The Bucs have 16 sacks this season, ranking 19th in the NFL. That production needs to improve against a QB who can extend plays and turn broken pockets into big gains. Tampa Bay’s defensive front must generate pressure while maintaining discipline in its rush lanes. Williams is dangerous when defenders lose contain and give him opportunities to create outside the pocket.

Bears QB Caleb Williams – Photo by IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

He has faced the NFL’s highest blitz rate this season, seeing pressure on 55.3% of his dropbacks. Against Minnesota in Week 2, Brian Flores’ aggressive approach helped limit Chicago to just three points. Williams has shown improvement since, throwing for 205 yards and a touchdown against New England’s blitz in Week 7, but expect Bowles to bring a heavy dose of blitzing on Sunday night.

Todd Bowles also needs to mix up his pressure packages. Showing blitz before dropping defenders into coverage could force Williams to hesitate and make him work through his progressions. The Bucs’ secondary must capitalize on those opportunities, especially considering Tampa Bay leads the NFL with 12 interceptions.