6 winners (and 6 losers) from Buccaneers’ frustrating loss to the Bears

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came just short of pulling off an upset, falling 27-24 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.

It was a frustrating loss, because there were countless opportunities to come out on top, as the Bears turned the ball over five times and handed the game to Tampa Bay on a silver platter, but the Buccaneers just couldn’t finish the job.

Here are the biggest winners and losers from the Buccaneers’ loss to the Bears.

Winners & Losers from Buccaneers' 27-24 loss to the Bears on Sunday Night Football

Winner: CB Zyon McCollum

Zyon McCollum got off to a slow start, getting beat early and often as the Bears picked on him in coverage.

But he had quite the redemption arc, coming up with two big-time interceptions to keep Tampa Bay in the game. He also had five tackles. Including one for a loss.

Loser: QB Baker Mayfield 

Baker Mayfield is not playing like a franchise quarterback this season.

His defense came through with five turnovers, and the special teams unit even blocked a punt, but it wasn’t enough for the Bucs to come up with a win. That’s largely because Mayfield gave the ball right back with two interceptions of his own, including a pick-six that proved to be the difference in the game.

Winner: RB Bucky Irving

Bucky Irving is the Bucs offense at this point. They go as he goes. 

Entering the week, the Bears boasted the third-best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing only 87 yards per game. Irving rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, and added four catches for 28 yards through the air.

He’s playing the best football of his NFL career, and without him, this offense would be hopeless.

Loser: OC Zac Robinson 

Zac Robinson’s offense is a struggle to watch. The play calls are head-scratching at times, and overall just far too conservative and anemic for a unit with this much talent.

When the run game isn’t picking up big chunks of yardage, the offense is dead on arrival, because the passing game is dysfunctional.

It's a foregone conclusion that he'll be a one-and-done, and Tampa Bay will be looking for another play-caller next season.

Winner: S Tykee Smith

They say turnovers come in bunches, and Tykee Smith started the festivities with a timely interception in the red zone.

He was also second on the team in tackles with seven, including one for a loss.

Loser: Bucs' special teams coverage

Tampa Bay’s kick coverage has overall been a bright spot this year, but they struggled against the Bears.

Right from the opening kickoff, the Bucs allowed a 40-yard return to open up the floodgates.

In the second half, the Bears returned a kick 91 yards for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a holding penalty, which frankly, was a favorable call for Tampa Bay.

Chicago was set up in good field position multiple times due to big returns, and Danny Smith needs to ensure that doesn’t become a trend for the Bucs special teams unit going forward.

Winner: CB Jacob Parrish

Jacob Parrish entered the week leading the NFL in passes defended. He added to his total against the Bears, breaking up a pass by Caleb Williams, deflecting it in the air for an interception by Alex Anzalone.

Parrish isn’t getting the headlines as it was Zyon McCollum who had two interceptions, but Parrish was rarely targeted as Chicago seemed to really respect his side of the field. He’s emerging as an elite cornerback in this league. 

Loser: Bucs' offensive line and their pre-snap penalties

The Buccaneers were called for five false start penalties. That’s simply unacceptable for an offense that’s already struggling to move the football.

The offensive line shooting themselves in the foot by making unforced mental errors that increases the down-and-distance certainly isn’t doing the offense any favors.

Winner: K Chase McLaughlin

Is it even a Bucs winner’s column if Chase McLaughlin isn’t on the list?

McLaughlin made all three of his field goals and his only extra point attempt, staying perfect on the season through nine games.

Don’t look now, but he’s been the best kicker in the NFL and is worthy of All-Pro consideration.

Loser: WR Tez Johnson

Tez Johnson led the team with 76 yards on two catches, and had the biggest play of the day with a 58-yard reception. 

So why is he in the loser’s column?

Johnson had two critical drops on third downs that would’ve extended drives and potentially allowed the Buccaneers to come out on top.

For a player that seems to be the only big-play threat in the passing game, it’s disappointing to see him drop several easy completions.

Winner: LB Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone caught an interception off Jacob Parrish’s deflection, and also had an impressive play where he hustled down field, going stride for stride with a Bears receiver to defend a pass and prevent a big play.

He’s up to four interceptions on the season, the first time a Bucs linebacker reached that total since Lavonte David in 2013. He’s really redeeming himself after a rough start to the season.

Loser: WR Ted Hurst 

Hurst was targeted only once all game, and dropped a catchable ball before going back to being a non-factor.

The rookie is taking some time to adjust to the pro level, and hasn’t made the impact the Buccaneers were hoping for when they drafted him in the third round of the NFL Draft.

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