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 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball during the second quarter of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball during the second quarter of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Winston and a Prediction

PP: Give me an outsider’s scouting report on Winston.

BGO: Winston has surprised me since he came into the league last season.  Coming out of college, he seemed to me to have all the makings of a bust not because of his physical tools but what was between the ears.  I was pleasantly surprised to see his football IQ and good command of the pro game.  Like most young quarterbacks, his decision-making comes into question.  If he can learn to protect the ball and not turn it over, he certainly has the talent to become an elite signal caller in this league.

PP: Prediction for Sunday?

BGO: I’m usually not a big Bears homer when I give my predictions, but I feel like they’ve in a good spot headed into Sunday.  They won their last game against the Vikings in Week 8 and enjoyed a bye last week.  They head down to Tampa well rested and ready to pick up where they left off and try to continue a winning streak.  The Bucs are pretty banged up at running back, so that could make their offense a little one-dimensional if Doug Martin isn’t ready to return.  I expect a healthy Bears defense to get after Winston and try to get some takeaways.  On the other side of the ball, Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery will try to extend Jeffery’s TD streak to two games.  Look out for rookie running back Jordan Howard to try to run against the Bucs’ 25th ranked rush defense.

I’ll take the Bears in a thriller.  Bears 26, Bucs 23.

Next: Clinton McDonald Nominated for Salute to Service Award

Thanks to Mike Burzawa for taking the time to talk to us, and check him out along with his team at Bear Goggles On, they do a fine job covering all things Bears.

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