The Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-24, on Sunday Night Football, where they were able to overcome the worst offensive showing of Ben Johnson’s tenure thanks to a dominant defensive performance and improve to 7-2.
In what was a roller coaster of a game, the Bears still had plenty of standout performances, most of which have come from repeat names that continue to thrive all season. The Bears did enough to win the game on Sunday night, but the overall production from the team as a whole gave a few more questions than answers as they head into their bye week, looking to figure it all out for the second half of the season.
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There were a number of good and bad performances in this ugly win. Here are the best and worst performers, according to Pro Football Focus:
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) returns a kick off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is tackled short of the first down by the Chicago Bears defense in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) fumbles a punt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) rushes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) rushes the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker al-Quadin Muhammad (97) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (1) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92) reacts after a tackle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) react after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18 / 43
The Morning After…the Bears’ ugly Week 9 win vs. Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) reacts after making the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19 / 43
Bears made the wrong kind of history in 5-turnover win vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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8 takeaways from the Bears’ stressful win over the Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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8 takeaways from the Bears’ stressful win over the Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) points after kicking the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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8 takeaways from the Bears’ stressful win over the Buccaneers
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after making a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 9 win vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears QB Caleb Williams explains what went wrong with 4 INTS vs. Bucs
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) makes a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) at Soldier Field. in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) draws a penalty on Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish (25) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) takes the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) drops back to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after making a touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a PAT against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker (94) and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) react after a defensive stop against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) reacts with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) attempts to make a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Photos from the Bears’ ugly 27-24 win over Bucs in Week 9
Nov 8, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat (98) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (14) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Best offense grades
RT Darnell Wright: 88.7
WR Luther Burden III: 80.1
RB Salvon Ahmed: 71.5
LT Theo Benedet: 68.9
TE Sam Roush: 68.9
Darnell Wright, Theo Bendet, and Luther Burden have been mainstays throughout the season for best offensive players grading at the top for individual performances. Sam Roush appearing on the list is a good sign for his development, especially with the loss of Cole Kmet, and whispers swirling that the team should be looking for a tight end on the trade market.
Worst offense grades
TE Stephen Carlson: 40.0
RB D’Andre Swift: 43.7
WR Jahdae Walker: 52.5
C Garrett Bradbury: 53.9
TE Colston Loveland: 54.1
D’Andre Swift did not play his best game, which is really deflating coming off of a game in which he had a three-touchdown performance against the reigning Super Bowl champions a week ago. Doing so on the road in Seattle, and then struggling against a Tampa Bay defense that is top tier, also was an indicator of the offensive line play on Sunday night. Colston Loveland didn’t have his best game, but he came up big when it mattered most on the final drive of the game.
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Best defense grades
LB D’Marco Jackson: 82.0
S Cam Lewis: 80.7
CB Jaylon Johnson: 76.8
CB Clark Phillips III: 75.1
DE Austin Booker: 74.3
Jaylon Johnson, welcome to the party for this new-look Bears defense. Johnson’s pick-six of Baker Mayfield was ultimately the game winner and bailed out a very bad showing from the team’s offense. Austin Booker continues to be one of the most underrated players not only on the Bears defense, but there’s a case for him across the NFL. The arrival of Jeffery Simmons should keep putting Booker in favorable positions to excel as the underrated member of the defensive line.
Worst defense grades
LB T.J. Edwards: 30.0
DT James Lynch: 36.7
CB Tyrique Stevenson: 46.7
CB Kyler Gordon: 49.2
S Skyler Thomas: 50.9
Tyrique Stevenson continues to struggle not only on the field but with injuries, which is also what plagued Kyler Gordon in this game as well. T.J. Edwards had one of his weakest performances to date on the field, which is a bit concerning with how well most of the Bears defensive line played, and how it should’ve made life easier for Edwards behind them.
