Buccaneers vs Bears: Preview, Where to Watch and Listen

The Buccaneers (3-5) have lost two straight games and six in a row at home dating back to last season. This week, they welcome in the Chicago Bears (2-6), who are coming off of their bye week. Here, we preview the matchup and tell you where to watch and listen to it.

At this point, anyone that has anything to do with the Buccaneers has to be frustrated. Since the start of 2014, they own the NFL’s worst home record, going 3-17 at Raymond James Stadium. The Bears are also struggling this season, so Sunday’s 1:00 matchup will be a big one for both teams. For Tampa Bay and its already-slimming playoff hopes, it’s a must-win.

Though the Bears have had longer to rest due to their bye week, the Bucs have had an extended time off as well. Their last game came on Thursday, which gave them an extra three days to rest before a new game week. They’re coming off of a disappointing 43-28 loss to the Falcons in which they surrendered 461 total yards. Jameis Winston (261 yards, three touchdowns) and Mike Evans (150 yards, two touchdowns) were just about the only ones to show up, but that wasn’t enough.

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Tampa Bay saw some more players go down with injuries last Thursday. Kevin Pamphile will miss this week after entering concussion protocol, Antone Smith and Howard Jones suffered season-ending injuries and Joe Hawley got banged up. Hawley is doubtful for Sunday, while there is some mystery surrounding a couple of guys that the Bucs have missed a lot. Doug Martin was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being a full participant on Friday. He will be a game-time decision on Sunday, but it would be somewhat of a surprise if he suits up. Clinton McDonald was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday, but remains questionable for Sunday. Russell Shepard and Jacquizz Rodgers will be out once again for the Bucs.

Chicago will come into Sunday’s game well-rested, but also with momentum. Prior to the bye week, the Bears took down the Vikings on Monday Night Football. Jay Cutler returned under center, throwing for 252 yards and a score. Rookie running back Jordan Howard led the way with 153 yards and a touchdown. He has been strong all year, carrying the ball 99 times for 505 yards and two scores.

These two teams last met in week 16 of the 2015 season, with the Bears winning 26-21. Tampa Bay outgained Chicago 389-327, but three turnovers were too much to overcome. The Bears are currently on a three-game winning streak against the Bucs, and they own the all-time regular season series 38-18.

Where to Watch

Fox will have the broadcast this week. Dan Hellie will carry the play-by-play, with David Diehl picking up the color commentary. Holly Sonders will have sideline reports throughout the game.

Where to Listen

The game’s broadcast can once again be heard on 103.5 FM or 620 AM in the Tampa Bay area. The normal team of Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play) and Dave Moore (commentary) will be in the booth. T.J. Rives will assume his usual sideline reporting duties. For other radio options around Florida, check here. Buccaneers.com and the Buccaneers mobile app will also carry the radio broadcast.

For satellite radio subscribers, the Tampa Bay broadcast can be heard on Sirius 137. The Chicago broadcast will be on Sirius 135.

Next: Is Jameis Winston really in a sophomore slump?

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