The Chicago Bears were able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in their 27-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game where it looked like it wouldn’t be close after a dominant first quarter. But the Bears were tested after a rough showing from the offense, most notably quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams had the worst game of his three-year NFL career — perhaps even his football career dating back to high school — tossing four interceptions after a near-flawless first quarter that included a pair of touchdowns to wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. But it was all downhill after Odunze dropped a sure-fire touchdown and rookie receiver Zavion Thomas committed an egregious penalty on second-and-goal from the Bucs’ 6-yard line.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Todd Bowles made adjustments after Chicago’s quick start, and the Tampa Bay defense brought the heat on Williams, which led to those four interceptions. After the game, Williams discussed exactly what happened with his four interceptions.
1 / 43
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)
1 / 43
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)
2 / 43
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)
3 / 43
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)
4 / 43
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)
5 / 43
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)
6 / 43
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)
7 / 43
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)
8 / 43
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)
9 / 43
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)
10 / 43
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)
11 / 43
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)
12 / 43
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)
13 / 43
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)
14 / 43
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)
15 / 43
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)
16 / 43
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)
17 / 43
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
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 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)
20 / 43
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 the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
(Talia Sprague, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21 / 43
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) 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)
22 / 43
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)
23 / 43
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)
24 / 43
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)
25 / 43
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) 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)
26 / 43
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)
27 / 43
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)
28 / 43
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)
29 / 43
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)
30 / 43
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)
31 / 43
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)
32 / 43
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)
33 / 43
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)
34 / 43
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)
35 / 43
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)
36 / 43
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)
37 / 43
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)
38 / 43
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)
39 / 43
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)
40 / 43
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)
41 / 43
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)
42 / 43
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)
43 / 43
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)
“I think the first one, just I got greedy,” Williams said. “I think the other two, they got pressure through and when that happens – like I said earlier, I’m typically the big eraser. That’s my identity. That’s what I’ve been for when something happens, or they hit me with a pressure or anything like that. Being the big eraser in that situation whether that’s going out of bounds, making a play or anything like that. Those two, that didn’t happen. And then the last one just popped the ball up in the air.”
Despite Williams throwing four interceptions — and the offense committing five turnovers as a whole — the defense only allowed three points off those turnovers, which was the reason why they were able to escape with an ugly win.
“Shout out to the defense. Those boys played a hell of a game today. They made big plays,” Williams said. “…They carried the load today. Like I said, I think it was last week or the week before, that’s who we are. That’s who we’re going to be. When one side of the ball – we obviously want to be clicking all three, but when one side of the ball isn’t clicking, we’re going to step up, we’re going to stand up for each other. And so, we did that today. The defense did that today.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The fact that the Bears were able to make a myriad of mistakes — more penalties, five turnovers and totaling just one first down in six offensive series in the second half — is a sign of a good football team. They’re not dependent on just one side of the football. If the offense struggles, the defense rises to the challenge. And when the defense has a rough showing, the offense steps up. Now, just wait until they clean everything up.