The Buccaneers MUST Do This To Beat The Bears
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into their biggest game of the 2026 season against the Chicago Bears, and Evan Winter believes there is one major mistake Tampa Bay cannot afford to make. The Buccaneers cannot abandon the running game. Tampa Bay enters Week 9 with the NFL's best rushing attack, averaging 168.6 rushing yards per game. The Bucs are also tied for the league lead in rushing yards per play at 5.1, lead the NFL with 35 runs of 10+ yards and rank third in rushing yards over expected. Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell and the Buccaneers' offensive line have become the foundation of this offense, and Evan explains why Tampa needs to continue leaning on them against Chicago. Yes, the Bears' secondary has struggled. Jalen Johnson has allowed 427 yards and a 119.6 passer rating when targeted, while Tyrique Stevenson has allowed five touchdowns and a 135.5 passer rating when targeted. That creates a tempting matchup for Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay's passing attack. But Evan argues that doesn't mean Zach Robinson should suddenly turn the Buccaneers into a pass-heavy offense. Chicago's defensive front is still dangerous, especially after the Bears acquired Jeffrey Simmons. Tampa Bay needs to keep the run game involved to prevent Simmons and the rest of Chicago's front from taking over the game. Evan explains why abandoning the run would be a major mistake, why Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell need to continue getting opportunities and how the Buccaneers can use the running game to control the matchup against Caleb Williams and the Bears. Evan also makes his prediction for Buccaneers vs. Bears and explains why he believes this could be a much closer game than the six-and-a-half-point spread suggests. Plus, Evan makes a bold prediction for Chris Godwin heading into Sunday Night Football. What is the KEY to beating the Bears? Should Tampa Bay attack Chicago's struggling secondary or stay committed to the run? Let Evan know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Bucs for more Tampa Bay Buccaneers news, analysis, reactions and coverage throughout the 2026 NFL season.
