The Chicago Bears secured a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Sunday Night Football matchup at Soldier Field, overcoming four interceptions by quarterback Caleb Williams and a late rally by the Buccaneers. The Bears improved to 7-2, while Tampa Bay dropped to 3-6 with their sixth loss in nine games.
Williams’ four interceptions marked the end of his NFL-record streak of 36 consecutive games with at least 20 pass attempts and no multiple interceptions. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield also threw two interceptions and no touchdown passes in the loss.
Game Recap and Key Moments
The Bears built an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter, with Williams connecting with Rome Odunze for a 9-yard touchdown and Luther Burden III for a 56-yard score. Chicago’s defense added a touchdown when Jaylon Johnson returned an interception of Mayfield 67 yards for a pick-six in the third quarter, extending the lead to 24-13.
Tampa Bay rallied late, with Bucky Irving scoring his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 6-yard run in the fourth quarter. Mayfield’s two-point conversion pass tied the game at 24-24, but Williams and the Bears responded with a game-winning 49-yard drive, capped by a 38-yard field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired.
Williams finished with 279 passing yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Mayfield completed 18 of 32 passes for 243 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions—one returned for a touchdown.
Controversial Calls and Postgame Statements
Mayfield blamed the Bears’ defense for allegedly breaking NFL rules by imitating his snap count and cadence to draw penalties. He specifically cited a false start penalty on Tristan Wirfs and argued that the Bears were "barking out the cadence," which he claimed violates the league’s "disconcerting acts or words" rule.
"To be honest with you, I don't know. The last one, I know they're barking out the cadence, which you can't do that," Mayfield told reporters after the game. "Tough for the refs to call that because they’re not there at the line of scrimmage. But yeah, I think they called that on [Wirfs], but you can’t do that."
Williams, meanwhile, dismissed concerns about his interceptions, vowing to continue aggressive play. "I’mma throw ‘til I can’t throw anymore," he said. "That’s how I live. I work my tail off to be in this position. I’ll never not throw the ball. I could throw 100 picks in one game."
Coaching Perspectives and Long-Term Implications
Former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden offered a reality check for Williams, acknowledging his resilience but warning that turnovers at that rate would hinder championship aspirations. "You’re not going to win a Super Bowl or a Championship turning the ball over at that rate," Gruden stated.
The Bears now enter their Week 10 bye with a four-game winning streak, while the Buccaneers prepare for a Week 10 break after a disappointing performance. Tampa Bay’s offense struggled with false start penalties, and Mayfield’s postgame comments suggested frustration with officiating, though no formal challenges were announced.
Chicago’s defense, which had limited turnovers in recent weeks, forced three takeaways in the win, including Johnson’s pick-six. The Bears’ ability to recover from Williams’ mistakes highlighted their depth and resilience, while Tampa Bay’s offense failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities despite Mayfield’s veteran leadership.