Late Fumble Cost Buccaneers

Tampa Bay and Chicago put on a defensive clinic as both defenses created all kind of troubles for the opposing offenses. Tampa Bay's secondary would pick Bears QB Jim Miller (12-26-114) 4 times and 3 of those times those picks would come deep inside the Bears end of the field. Two of those picks would help erase a 6-0 lead by the Bears and put the Buccaneers up 10-6 with only 6:21 to go in the game. Chicago's offense though was as exciting as watching grass grow early in the game but came up with a drive that would be the eventual game winner.

From its own 39 to start the drive Miller hit Marty Booker for a 23 yard gain then on the next play threw what would have been a interception to Derrick Brooks. The Bears though got a reprieve as the Bucs were called for illegal contact. With 3:55 to go the Bears faced a 4th and 2 from the Bucs 12 yard line. "It was either a touchdown drive or nothing" stated HC Bill V knowing that his offense even with a field goal here would need a miracle just to get into field goal range at games end if they did get it back. The Bears went with Anthony Thomas (19-19) who sliced over right tackle for the first down by inches. 2 Plays later Miller connected with David Terrell for a 9 yard strike and a 13-10 Bears lead. Hold on though as the climatic conclusion was coming.

With 2:33 to go the Bucs began at their own 37 and 8 plays later they were sitting at the Bears 2 yard line that was set up by Chad Johnsons' 30 yard gallop after catching a swing out pass from Brad Johnson (23-35-186). RB Michael Pittman (15-51) went 4 yards on the next play to the Bears 3 then Mike Alstott (12-41) would get nothing and on his way down lose the ball but Lomas Brown recovered for the Bucs. It looked as if the Bucs had dodged the big bullet. On the next play though they would not be as fortunate as Brad Johnson was force from the pocket and on the way the ball would be popped out of his arms with Rosevelt Colvin right there to fall on the ball for the Bears and end any hopes for a Buccaneer victory. Thank goodness there were no microphones on the coach Barry S. after Johnson failed to protect the ball.

The Bears special teams got in on the action also blocking a field goal late in the 2nd with the quarter coming to a close while the Bears defense also came up big with a early interception as it looked like the Bucs were marching to score. Gramatica also missed two other field goal attempts so as Coach Barry would say "The Special teams were not so special today".

Chicago will host Minnesota next week while Tampa Bay will host St. Louis.
--submitted by Bill Vogt--