The Pewter Plank
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Scouting the Buccaneers’ Opponent: The Bears

By Alan Schechter

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter talks with wide receiver Mike Evans (13) on the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter talks with wide receiver Mike Evans (13) on the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Why the Record?

Pewter Plank: The Bears sit at 2-6, what’s the biggest reason? There is talent on this team.

Bear Goggles On:

Bear Goggles On: I hate to take the easy out, but I think the biggest reason for the Bears’ 2-6 start is injuries.  I know that all NFL teams deal with injuries, but the Bears were hit particularly hard in the first half of the season.  It started in training camp when arguably the Bears top pass rusher Pernell McPhee started the season on the PUP list.  They lost starting center Hroniss Grasu during training camp.  Starting cornerback Kyle Fuller had a knee injury flare up that put him on IR.  Other members of the Bears secondary have been in and out of the lineup.  Up and coming second year wide receiver Kevin White was just starting to find his groove when he headed to IR as well.  Pro Bowl guards Kyle Long has been playing hurt most of the season while linemate Josh Sitton missed a game as well.

But perhaps the biggest losses on both sides of the ball have been Jay Cutler and Eddie Goldman.  People can say what they want about Cutler but this team is better when he is under center.  We’ll get to him on the next question.  Getting nose tackle Eddie Goldman back should provide a huge boost to the defense.  He’s the anchor of the Bears 3-4 defense and they just don’t have someone backing him up that’s nearly as good.

The good news for the Bears (and bad news for the Bucs) is that the Bears are coming off the bye and are significantly more healthy than they have been at any point in the season.  Kyle Fuller and Kevin White remain on IR, but we can probably expect just about everyone else to be available for the game.

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