Caleb Williams throws four interceptions in Bears 27-24 win

The Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 on Sunday, improving their record to 7-2. The victory secured a mandatory bye week for the team, which has finished its regular-season schedule with two games remaining in 2026.

Quarterback Caleb Williams threw four interceptions in the loss. Three of those picks occurred in the second quarter, following a strong first-quarter performance. Williams completed a drive in the final minutes to set up a game-winning field goal. He finished the contest with a net rating that analysts described as inconsistent, moving from high praise to criticism during the same half.

Running back Bucky Irving finished with 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 4.9 yards per carry against a defense that limited the Buccaneers' top-ranked rushing attack for most of the game. Linebacker Devin Bush and end Austin Booker recorded multiple stops in the box, preventing long runs from developing.

The Bears' special teams unit committed errors that cost the team time and field position. Punter Tory Taylor had a punt blocked. A holding penalty on D'Marco Jackson allowed Zavion Thomas to return a kickoff 91 yards. Jack Sanborn committed a false start on a fake punt attempt. Cairo Santos kicked a 38-yard field goal in the final minutes to secure the win.

Wide receiver Luther Burden returned a kickoff 52 yards for a touchdown after crossing the middle of the field. He later suffered a hard hit and fumbled in the fourth quarter. Tight end Cole Kmet also sustained an injury. Cornerback Kyler Gordon and rookie safety Dillon Thieneman allowed a 58-yard pass to Tez Johnson early in the third quarter, which set up a Buccaneers touchdown.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson returned a pick-six 67 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The defensive line generated pressure late in the game, with Jeffrey Simmons, Shemar Turner, Grady Jarrett, Daniel Hardy, and Austin Booker all recording sacks. The Bears will rest during the upcoming bye week to address the five turnovers and injury concerns before their next game.

The team enters the break with a 7-2 record. The next scheduled game will occur after the bye week concludes. The Bears must correct the five turnovers, including four interceptions by Williams, before resuming play.