TAMPA, Fla. – There were many on the Bucs that stood out in their 27-17 win over the Chicago Bears, but after all that Buccaneers linebacker Shaq Barrett has been through, it was fitting that Barrett comes up with the interception for a touchdown to close out the game.
“I just remember going inside a little bit and seeing the ball comin,” Barrett said. “I just saw the ball coming and I just put my hand up and made the catch. I couldn’t be denied. Three yards, I gotta find a way to get in there.”
It was a tight game, looking like it could go either way, when Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield found Mike Evans in the end zone for a 32 yard touchdown. The Bucs go up 20-10 never relinquishing the lead over the Bears and Tampa Bay held on for a 27-17 win. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles admits the key for his team is not turning it over and that’s what he’s been most pleased about.
“If you don’t turn it over you give yourself a chance to win,” Bowles said. “Ball possession and time of possession ultimately, very important. You keep the other team off the field.Everybody has a potent offense. The more you can keep them off the field the better.”
The Bears fought back in the 4th quarter with quarterback Justin Fields leading a 90 yard drive capped off with a 20 yard scoring strike to Chase Claypool putting the Bears to within three, 20-17. Bucs Barrett lost his baby daughter in a drowning accident and says playing for her gives him a little extra motivation. .
“I’ll always play for my family, but then having that extra incentive and making me want to go a little harder for her, it never stops.. Being able to shine some spotlight on her a little bit. Cameras on me after I made the play, I told her I love you and miss you.”
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield was solid going 26 of 34 through the air for 317 yards and one touchdown and no sacks. Mayfield believes this offense will continue to get better.
“We grow in this offense, we continue to get better and better, we’re going to be able to do whatever we want,” Mayfield said. “Teams can game plan however they want against us. They can roll coverage over to Mike (Evans) that means Chris (Godwin) is gonna have a one on one.”
Next up for the Bucs will be a Monday Night Football Showdown with Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Both teams are 2-0. The Eagles are coming off a 34-28 win over the Vikings on Thursday Night Football.
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