
Monday, 4 a.m.
They made a nice comeback. They forced enough turnovers. They were competitive despite a lousy start.
At the end of the night, however, one question remained about the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Do you trust them?
The Bucs blew a chance to take over the NFC South lead with a 27-24 loss to the Chicago Bears Sunday night at Soldier Field.
Do you trust the secondary? Granted, the defensive backs of the Bucs had three of the team's interceptions and a fumble recovery. But they blew a coverage and allowed a 38-yard completion on the Bears' game-winning drive? They gave up 279 yards passing to Caleb Williams.
Do you trust the quarterback? Yes, Baker Mayfield threw for 243 yards. On the other hand, he threw two picks -- one returned for a 67-yard touchdown and the other when the Bucs had a first down at the Bears' 37 yard line. He also took four sacks.
Do you trust the coaching? Sure, the team rallied after falling behind 14-0. But 24 points when a team has five turnovers isn't enough.
Do you trust the kicking? Absolutely. Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals, continuing his superb season. Punter Riley Dixon averaged 48.8 yards per punt and kicked two inside the 20.
Do you trust Bucky Irving? More and more. Irving had 97 yards on 20 carries and scored twice.
The Bucs fell behind 14-0 as Williams hit Rome Odunze and Luther Burden with touchdown passes.
McLaughlin hit two of his field goals in the second quarter. Then in the third, Irving scored from two yards out.
In the fourth quarter, McLaughlin hit another field goal and Irving went in from six yards out.
Chicago, however, went 49 yards on eight plays to set up their winning field goal.
The Bucs are on the road again in two weeks, traveling to Detroit to play at 1 p.m.




