Windy City Gridiron - NFL Week 16: Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay BuccaneersA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2015-12-30T15:00:02-06:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/104334912015-12-30T15:00:02-06:002015-12-30T15:00:02-06:00Breaking Down the Tape - Sackwatch Week 16
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/saGCqZOrkv9W4YOfKSTfjBxs_7E=/0x25:2518x1704/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48464567/usa-today-9019958.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two weeks ago the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> played their worst game of the season in a 38-17 thrashing by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. It was a total team failure, but the pass protection was particularity poor in allowing 5 quarterback sacks. The pass pro was so poor that <span>Jay Cutler</span> threw an <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/23/10658120/chicago-bears-xs-os-film-break-down-minnesota-vikings-offensive-line?_ga=1.122311042.809189489.1447949017" target="_blank">icy look</a> in the direction of his right tackle Kyle Long after allowing a third quarter strip/sack.</p>
<p>After struggling though the last few weeks, Long may have had the best game of the year against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. His pass protection was solid and his run blocking was very good. He was hit with a false start, but other than that, it was the kind of bounce-back game Long needed to build towards the 2016 season. A season where I expect him to remain at right tackle.</p>
<p>But as for the Sackwatch...</p>
<p>Even with that awful 5 sacks allowed in Minnesota, the Bears still have a shot at bettering the 2013 season when they totaled 30 sacks allowed. If the Bears can somehow hold the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> sackless on Sunday (Detroit is tied for 9th this year with 38 sacks) they'll finish at 29. The last time the Bears were that low was 2008 with <span>Kyle Orton</span> getting 15 starts behind a line of LT John St. Clair, LG Josh Beekman, C Olin Kreutz, RG Roberto Garza and RT John Tait. Those five started all 16 games together that season, further proving the importance of continuity along the offensive line.</p>
<p>Here's how the Bears have fared going back to the Mike Martz years.</p>
<h5><b>Sackwatch after 15 games</b></h5>
<p><b>2010 - 50 Martz<br>2011 - 42 Martz<br>2012 - 43 Tice<br>2013 - 29 Trestman<br>2014 - 39 Trestman<br>2015 - 29 Gase</b></p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8rfdSY5uDZ71WW7xS3XwfaixERA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4185903/unnamed.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Sack 29 - Second quarter 3:50 <span>Gerald McCoy</span></b><br>It's not enough that Gerald McCoy is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the entire NFL, but on this play the Buccaneers masterfully designed their front to match McCoy up one on one with the Bears worst pass blocker.</p>
<p>If you watched the game on Sunday you would have heard FOX color analyst Matt Millen brilliantly (yes, brilliantly) describe the sack allowed.</p>
<p>Check out the GIF.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m7ii4K6UY2UydhOTH3tJwLF-wHk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5862173/cutler.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The Bucs had enough threats on the line of scrimmage to ensure that center <span>Hroniss Grasu</span> would have to turn to his left. Grasu ends up taking the 1st down lineman to his left and left guard <span>Matt Slauson</span> and left tackle Charles Leno expertly pick up the blitzing stunt taking place in front of them.</p>
<p>With the center turning to his left, the Buccaneers knew that the Bears would block the two remaining down linemen with their right side, RG Vlad Ducasse and RT Kyle Long. The edge rusher would be picked up by Long, leaving McCoy one on one with Ducasse.</p>
<p>Deadfoot Ducasse didn't stand a chance.</p>
<p>Moving forward in the running game, Ducasse has shown decent quickness and aggression, but when setting up in pass protection his lumbering feet makes him look mismatched most of the time.</p>
<p>Take a look at Ducasse's feet.</p>
<p>Now take a look at <span>Kyle Long's</span>.</p>
<p>In the time it takes Ducasse to make two steps with his outside foot, Long has already retreated 4 yards back in his pass set.</p>
<p>By the time McCoy gets his hands on Ducasse, Ducasse is already beat around the edge because of his slow footwork and head being too far over his feet.</p>
<p><b>Here's how I have the Sackwatch after 15 games.</b></p>
<p><b>Kyle Long - 6.34<br>Sacks Happen - 4.5<br>Charles Leno Jr. - 4.33<br>Vlad Ducasse - 3.33<br>Patrick Omameh - 2.5<br>Matt Slauson - 2.5<br>Jay Cutler - 2.5<br>Matt Forte - 1.5<br>Jermon Bushrod - 1<br>Hroniss Grasu - .5</b></p>
<p>What are your thoughts on the Sackwatch this week?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/30/10688632/chicago-bears-xs-and-os-gametape-film-tampa-bay-buccaneersLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-12-28T10:59:16-06:002015-12-28T10:59:16-06:00Young players lead Chicago Bears to victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y4G57Y6wQfHm6oGQ5jWWAGjkFwI=/0x0:4656x3104/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48442635/GettyImages-502625618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We'll take a deeper look at the statistics, both individual and team, and also run down the playing time breakdown for the Chicago Bears in their 6th win of the season, a 26-21 victory in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers.</p> <p><b><i>All statistics and snap counts are taken directly from the NFL's Game Statistic and Information System.</i></b></p>
<p>It took the Chicago Bears a little while before they got into a rhythm, but they eventually settled in on both sides of the ball. The last second Hail Mary TD inched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers within 6, but this game actually felt like the Bears had control through most of the 4th quarter.</p>
<p>The overall numbers mostly favored the Bears, although the Bucs did have the edge in total yardage 389 to 327. The Bears had the edge in time of possession; 37:03 to 22:57, first downs; 21 to 19 and 3rd down conversions; 40% (6 of 15) to 25% (2 of 8). The Bears had fewer penalties; 3 for 25 to 4 for 47 for Tampa Bay and Chicago didn't turn the ball over while the Bucs has 3 turnovers.</p>
<p>With their 6th win of the season the Bears eclipsed last year's total of 5 and head coach John Fox has led his 3rd franchise to a year one improvement. The Bears have a shot at 7 wins next week against the Detroit Lions and winning is far more important than draft positioning as the Bears try and build some mojo for next year.</p>
<p><i>FYI - All the charts are Total snaps played - Percentage of snaps played</i></p>
<h5>Offensive Line</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Slauson LG</td>
<td>71 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hroniss Grasu C</td>
<td>61 - 86%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Long RT</td>
<td>71 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Leno Jr. LT</td>
<td>71 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Omameh RG</td>
<td>10 - 14%</td>
<td>6 - 20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jermon Bushrod</td>
<td>9 - 13%</td>
<td>6 - 20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vladimir Ducasse</td>
<td>71 - 100%</td>
<td>6 - 20%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Bears made a change to the starting lineup, benching Omameh for Ducasse at right guard, but the injury to Grasu got Omameh back in the game for a few snaps. The Bears only allowed 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits and 3 tackles for loss.</p>
<p>They rushed for 174 yards, their most since week 1 against the Packers.</p>
<p>Grasu was flagged for holding (declined), Long had a false start and Ducasse had a holding penalty.</p>
<h5>Quarterback</h5>
<p>Jay Cutler play an efficient game going 20 of 27 (74%) for 156 yards, 1 TD and a 100.2 passer rating. This was Cutler's 8th game this season with a passer rating over 90.0, a new career high. He also had 2 runs for 21 yards.</p>
<p>And check out these nuggets from the Bears post game press release.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It was the sixth time this season Cutler did not throw an interception, tied for the most such games in a single-season during his career (along with 2007 as a member of the Broncos and 2012 with the Bears).</p>
<p>Cutler has not thrown more than 1 interception in a game all season (14 starts). He is the only NFL QB to start at least 10 games this season and NOT have a contest with multiple interceptions.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h5>Running Backs</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Forte</td>
<td>28 - 39%</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Langford</td>
<td>38 - 54%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ka'Deem Carey</td>
<td>10 - 14%</td>
<td>10 - 33%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Matt Forte left the game with a back injury so his numbers were lower than he probably expected, but he still had 54 yards on 11 carries (4.9 ypc) and he caught 3 of 4 balls for 23 yards.</p>
<p>Rookie Jeremy Langford lad the Bears in rushing with 83 yards on 19 carries (4.4 ypc). He didn't catch either of the passes thrown his way.</p>
<p>Carey had a rushing TD and a receiving TD. He had 7 rushing attempts for 16 yards (2.3 ypc) and a 1 yard reception on his lone target.</p>
<h5>Tight Ends</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Miller</td>
<td>66 - 93%</td>
<td>7 - 23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Khari Lee</td>
<td>8 - 11%</td>
<td>10 - 33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Housler</td>
<td>5 - 7%</td>
<td>12 - 40%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>I really like the way Zach Miller catches the ball. He doesn't allow the ball to get into his body, instead using his big mitts to go get it. He led the Bears in receiving yards (69), receptions (7) and targets (8). I'll have some more on Miller's season tomorrow in <i>Ten Thoughts on the NFL</i>.</p>
<h5>Wide Receivers</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Offense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eddie Royal</td>
<td>47 - 66%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marc Mariani</td>
<td>59 - 83%</td>
<td>5 - 17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deonte Thompson</td>
<td>21 - 30%</td>
<td>7 - 23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Bellamy</td>
<td>64 - 90%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Jeffery missed another game, so the Bears gave Bellamy the start along with Royal. Bellamy caught 2 of 3 targets for 10 yards and Royal caught 5 of the 6 balls thrown his way for 21 yards while battling an illness all game.</p>
<p>Mariani grabbed 2 of 3 for 32 yards and he had a 5 yard punt return.</p>
<h5>Special Teams</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LaRoy Reynolds</td>
<td>19 - 63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Meredith</td>
<td>12 - 40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sherrick McManis</td>
<td>24 - 80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamin Barrow</td>
<td>19 - 63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sherrod Martin</td>
<td>16 - 53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robbie Gould</td>
<td>13 - 43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Scales</td>
<td>11 - 37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick O'Donnell</td>
<td>11 - 37%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>The Buccaneers blocked a punt when LaRoy Reynolds forgot to block, but he did make 2 special teams tackles.</p>
<p>O'Donnell also had a tackle, but that block killed his net punting average dropping to to 34.8. He did place 2 punts inside the 20.</p>
<p>Gould was perfect on the day making all four of his field goals and both extra points. With another 50 yarder made, Gould is now a career best 7 for 9 on field goals of 50+ yards this season. He also needs just 1 FG next week to tie his career best of 32 made. Gould also had 6 touchbacks on kickoffs, with Tampa Bay's only kick return going for 19 yards. You fans still want Gould gone?</p>
<p>McMannis assisted on a ST tackle.</p>
<h5>Defensive Backs</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kyle Fuller CB</td>
<td>56 - 100%</td>
<td>11 - 37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adrian Amos S</td>
<td>56 - 100%</td>
<td>9 - 30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tracy Porter CB</td>
<td>56 - 100%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Prosinski S</td>
<td>3 - 5%</td>
<td>24 - 80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demontre Hurst CB</td>
<td>42 - 75%</td>
<td>8 - 27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harold Jones-Quartey S</td>
<td>53 - 95%</td>
<td>2 - 7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alan Ball CB</td>
<td>9 - 16%</td>
<td>4 - 13%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Bears' DBs caught a few breaks on some bad deep balls by Jameis Winston, but Winston still had 295 yards passing and 2 TDs.</p>
<p>Jones-Quartey received the surprise start over Prosinski (1 ST tackle) and he made the most of the opportunity with the first interception and forced fumble of his career. He also had 4 tackles and 2 passes defended. Amos had 5 tackles and a PD from the other safety spot.</p>
<p>Fuller had 4 tackles and a PD and Porter had a PD. Hurst was the nickleback again in place of the injured Bryce Callahan, and he had 3 tackles and a QBH.</p>
<h5>Linebacker</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Jones ILB</td>
<td>42 - 75%</td>
<td>11 - 37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jonathan Anderson ILB</td>
<td>13 - 23%</td>
<td>18 - 60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Timu ILB</td>
<td>56 - 100%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Acho OLB</td>
<td>14 - 25%</td>
<td>12 - 40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pernell McPhee OLB</td>
<td>20 - 36%</td>
<td>1 - 3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Willie Young OLB</td>
<td>41 - 73%</td>
<td>3 - 10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lamarr Houston OLB</td>
<td>37 - 66%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Rookie UDFA Timu received another start (and had the green dot as the designated play caller), but this week Christian Jones was back in for a concussed Shea McClellin. Timu and Jones each had 6 tackles, with Timu recovering 2 fumbles and Jones getting a PD and a QBH. Anderson was the 3rd ILB and he had 2 tackles.</p>
<p>McPhee picked up his 1st sack since week 8, giving him 6 on the season. He added 4 tackles, 2 QBH and 2 TFL and a forced fumble*. Acho had 2 tackles, Young had 3 tackles and 2 TFL and Houston had 3 tackles and a TFL.</p>
<p><i>* The FF that was originally credited to Jonathan Anderson was changed to Pernell McPhee. </i></p>
<h5>Defensive Line</h5>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Defense</b></td>
<td><b>Special Teams</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jarvis Jenkins</td>
<td>15 - 27%</td>
<td>2 - 7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eddie Goldman</td>
<td>16 - 29%</td>
<td>2 - 7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Sutton</td>
<td>31 - 55%</td>
<td>4 - 13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D'Anthony Smith</td>
<td>24 - 43%</td>
<td><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Unrein</td>
<td>32 - 57%</td>
<td>7 - 23%<br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Before Goldman left with an ankle injury he was real close on the sack that went to McPhee. Jenkins played through an ankle injury, and like Goldman he didn't scratch the stat sheet.</p>
<p>Sutton had a tackle and a PD. Smith and Unrein each had a tackle.</p>
<p><i>Thoughts on the numbers this week? </i></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/28/10670942/chicago-bears-young-players-victory-snap-counts-stats-and-moreLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2015-12-27T15:10:33-06:002015-12-27T15:10:33-06:006-9
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JGUNfGNsekE4TKlzNUMTpDgIVRs=/9x0:3703x2463/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48442263/usa-today-9019959.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The game wasn't pretty, but the Bears finally got their first win of December.</p> <p>If you were expecting pretty football in a game featuring two non-playoff teams, you were likely a bit unimpressed with the showdown in Tampa on Sunday. But if you're a Bears fans and just hoped that they would somehow pull off a win, then you probably feel pretty good with how things turned out.</p>
<p>The Bears hit the road on Sunday, and beat the Buccaneers by a score of 26-21.</p>
<p>Another slow start by the Bears offense, and another shuffle of the offensive line, was overcome by a strong performance by Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Jeremy Langford, and Ka'Deem Carey-- not to mention a nice bounce-back game by Robbie Gould.</p>
<p>On defense, Harold Jones-Quartey and John Timu both had great games-- Jones-Quartey forced a fumble and grabbed an interception, and Timu had two fumble recoveries.</p>
<p>Jay Cutler looked as composed as he has all season long, protecting the football and showing great pocket awareness as he worked through his progressions.</p>
<p><b>Some final stats:</b></p>
<p>- Jay Cutler: 20/27, 156 yards, 1 TD, 100.2 rating</p>
<p>- Matt Forte: 11 rushes, 54 yards | 3 receptions, 23 yards</p>
<p>- Jeremy Langford: 19 rushes, 83 yards</p>
<p>- Zach Miller: 7 receptions, 69 yards</p>
<p>The Bears' win moves their record to 6-9, one more victory this season than 2014.</p>
<p>Now they have one more game left to play: Next Sunday versus the Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on today's victory?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10670660/bears-vs-buccaneers-final-score-chicago-bears-get-first-win-of-december-lovie-smithDane Noble2015-12-27T14:18:01-06:002015-12-27T14:18:01-06:00Bears vs Bucs 4th Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cb-5ugwb3m9xpgJajxhYY4dcXeo=/0x83:3040x2110/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48442017/usa-today-9019975.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us below for live updates and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p><b>**SCORE UPDATE**</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 13</p>
<p>Tampa Bay Bucs 14</p>
<p>-------------------------------</p>
<p>If anyone was expecting good football today, hopefully they weren't talking about the Bears versus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> game. Each side has squandered opportunities on both offense and defense, and have left a lot of plays out on the field. But that's why neither of these teams are making the playoffs in 2015.</p>
<p>This is your 4th Quarter Open Thread... Have fun.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10670430/chicago-bears-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-4th-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2015-12-27T13:27:23-06:002015-12-27T13:27:23-06:00Bears vs Bucs 3rd Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dQ7FASCI-pNevXFZne1Kt8Qsnfw=/68x0:3811x2495/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48441781/usa-today-9019705.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us inside for our continued coverage of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p><b>**SCORE UPDATE**</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> 13</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> 7</p>
<p>The Chicago Bears struggled to get anything going in the first quarter versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the second period looked a bit better. <span>Ka'Deem Carey</span> got into the end zone once, and <span>Robbie Gould</span> hit a pair field goals.</p>
<p>On defense, defensive back <span>Harold Jones-Quartey</span> made the most of his late-season start, forcing a fumble that was recovered by linebacker <span>John Timu</span>.</p>
<p>The Bears are keeping the Bucs at bay, primarily because they are dominating Time of Possession. But so far, there hasn't been a whole lot of good football played by either team, which isn't surprising considering we have two teams on the field that won't make the playoffs this season.</p>
<p>Can the Bears put together a second half that will give them their first win in December? Or will Lovie Smith send his former team home with a loss? Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your 3rd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10670232/chicago-bears-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-3rd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2015-12-27T12:41:29-06:002015-12-27T12:41:29-06:00Bears vs Bucs 2nd Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dtgk7V3uNQeuMJvTyH9VKojyyMk=/0x14:2880x1934/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48441489/usa-today-9019592.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us below for live discussion and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p>We are underway at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, and have 15 minutes of football under our belts.</p>
<p>Can the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> put together a game plan that will allow them to hand their former head coach a loss, or will the Bucs out-play Chicago?</p>
<p>Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your Bears vs Bucs 2nd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10670026/chicago-bears-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-2nd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2015-12-27T11:45:02-06:002015-12-27T11:45:02-06:00Bears vs Bucs 1st Quarter Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bRdlJ8myjrl5wzG1CkWbXr_hUeA=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48440835/GettyImages-500239828.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Foldy/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Join us inside for live discussion and instant analysis of today's Chicago Bears game!</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> are in the process of regaining their identity, and first year head coach <span>John Fox</span> has done a good job of at least stabilizing the coaching staff and locker room. General manager Ryan Pace made a few strides with the roster, but the Bears were exposed in the month of December as having a significant lack of talent and depth across the board.</p>
<p>So as the 2015 is nearing the end, the Bears will be looking for something-- anything-- to build on and look forward to in 2016. The players will be playing for pride, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> will likely give them all they can handle.</p>
<p>Can the Bears get their first December win in over two years? Yep, they've lost nine straight December games, and Tampa Bay will be looking to make it ten in a row.</p>
<p>Stay tuned...</p>
<p>This is your Bears versus Bucs 1st Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10669464/chicago-bears-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-1st-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2015-12-27T10:44:27-06:002015-12-27T10:44:27-06:00Jeffery, McClellin Inactive vs Bucs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HJNweRPVrTd97xCKZO_E44VYyJA=/0x74:1868x1319/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48441157/usa-today-8994534.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some final information regarding the lineup ahead of the Bears vs Bucs game.</p> <p>One week after being benched for poor play, linebacker <span>Christian Jones</span> is back in the starting lineup for the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a>. Jones will start in place of <span>Shea McClellin</span>, who is inactive Sunday with a concussion. McClellin had delayed symptoms after last week's loss to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Vikings</a>, and the team decided on Sunday to have him sit this week.</p>
<p>Also inactive versus the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> is <span>Alshon Jeffery</span>, who misses his sixth game of the season with a leg injury. Jeffery is in a contract year, and it will be interesting to see how the Bears choose to approach things after the season is over. Josh Bellamy will get the start at wide receiver in place of Jeffery.</p>
<p><b>The full list of inactives for Chicago:</b></p>
<p>- WR Alshon Jeffery</p>
<p>- LB Shea McClellin</p>
<p>- DB Bryce Callahan</p>
<p>- CB Jacoby Glenn</p>
<p>- G/T <span>Nick Becton</span></p>
<p>- OT Tayo Fabuluje</p>
<p>- DL Bruce Gaston.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/27/10669560/bears-vs-buccaneers-alshon-jeffery-shea-mcclellin-inactive-christian-jonesDane Noble