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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 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates with quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Stopping the Dynamic Duo

PP: In a season of regression for the Bucs, the combination of Jameis Winston and Mike Evans are rapidly becoming elite. How do you stop them?

BGO: Wow, that’s the great question.  I was hoping you could give Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio some clues about that.  Winston and Evans are becoming quite the dynamic duo and will certainly give the Bears defense all they can handle.  The Bears best strategy will probably involve putting a lot of pressure on Winston to try to force some mistakes.

They don’t have Peanut Tillman anymore to shadow the opponents’ best receivers like he used to with Calvin Johnson.  Their best healthy cornerback is probably Tracy Porter, who’s had a bit of a resurgence the last couple of seasons with the Bears.  I’d expect to see a fair amount of Porter on Evans to try to slow him down.  It’s a shame that rookie cornerback Deiondre Hall is still nursing an ankle injury and remains questionable for Sunday.  He’s got good length and has proven to be a good cover corner, especially in the red zone.  You might see rookie Cre’Von LeBlanc and Bryce Callahan trying to slow down Evans, but either of them will be giving up significant height to the 6’5″ receiver.

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