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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held off the Chicago Bears 27-17 in their home opener to start the season 2-0.
Scoring Summary
The Bucs started the game with a six-minute drive. A key play in that drive was a completed pass on third-and-11 from Baker Mayfield to Mike Evans. However, the drive did stall inside the red zone, which led to the Bucs settling for a 26-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin.
Justin Fields got the game’s first touchdown with a one-yard touchdown run. The Bears would take that lead into the second quarter.
With 10:53 to go in the second quarter, Rachaad White ran the ball for a four-yard touchdown. The two teams exchanged field goals towards the end of the quarter to make it 13-10 in favor of the Bucs going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Mayfield connected with Evans for a huge 32-yard touchdown pass to make it 20-10.
#EasyToCelebrate when you got @MikeEvans13_ on your side 🙌
📺: #CHIvsTB on FOX
🎉: @BudLight pic.twitter.com/U9iybBhwi1— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 17, 2023
In the fourth quarter, Fields and Chase Claypool responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass of their own. However, the Bucs responded accordingly. With 2:03 to go in the game, Shaquil Barrett picked off Fields and returned it to seal the win.
The final score was 27-17.
There’s No Place Like Home
The Buccaneers start the post-Tom Brady era in Tampa with a win in front of their home support. The Bucs announced 62,976 fans packed Raymond James Stadium to support their team.
Home 😌 pic.twitter.com/UXyjLzmZl9
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 17, 2023
Baker Mayfield made himself at home on Sunday. Going 26-34 for 317 yards and one touchdown. The defense really showed out as well. They forced Fields to throw two interceptions, one of which was the game-sealing interception.
Perfect timing for Shaq's first career touchdown 🙌
📺: #CHIvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/VwRioTSph6
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 17, 2023
The Bucs are looking to keep the momentum going into next week. They will be hosting the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
