Why the Bears Were Prepared for Clutch Time Against Tampa Bay

The Chicago Bears won't apologize for the team's 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. 

Bears head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of finding a way to win despite the team not playing its best football. 

"Like I said last night, I'm really pleased with how the team came out and found a way to win," Johnson said. "In a number of areas, we weren't at our best, and yet, finding a way to win was the most important thing. It was a great win in that regard."

Quarterback Caleb Williams threw four interceptions, and Luther Burden III fumbled late in the fourth quarter to lose the turnover battle, 5-2. The Buccaneers possessed the ball longer than the Bears and finished with more offensive plays, yards and drives. 

The only other time that has happened this season was in the 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears finished with more offensive plays, 68 to 59, but trailed in total yards, drives and time of possession. 

Because of the Bears' offensive struggles, highlighted by turnovers and a game-high nine penalties for 74 yards, the team found themselves tied at 24 with 2:46 left in the game. They haven't been in that situation all season outside of Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, when the Bears were down 6-3 entering the fourth quarter. Williams left the game with a hamstring injury and the lead extended to six points after another Vikings field goal. 

So Sunday night's situation was somewhat of unfamiliar territory for the team this season, yet the Bears had complete confidence. That's how Bears guard Jonah Jackson felt going into the final drive of the game. 

"Every drive we have faith that we’re going to capitalize and score points," Jackson said. "But especially in a moment like that when we really need it in crunch time, I don’t think there’s a better group in the league than us. We knew we were gonna make something happen."

The Bears did exactly that, marching down the field on an 8-play, 49-yard drive that featured a 38-yard completion to tight end Colston Loveland. That set up kicker Cairo Santos to convert on his 38-yard field to win the game. 

But where exactly Jackson's confidence comes from is hard to define. 

"I dunno," Jackson said. "It’s just the way we’re built, the way we’re wired. We don’t ever get down on ourselves. We don’t ever feel like ugh, this is it, here we go guys. We have complete trust in one another to get the job done. That throw from Caleb to Colston, we figured it was bound to happen at some point, and it sure did."

Johnson had a more definitive answer, highlighting the team's clutch moments during the 2025 season. Williams lead his team to seven fourth-quarter comebacks, including the playoffs. 

"I think it’s unique," Johnson said. "Because we haven’t been in that situation a lot this year. And I hate to keep drawing back to last year. But maybe it’s that confidence from a lot of those familiar faces still being a part of this team that we’re going to be at our best when the pressure is the highest. It just felt like we were back on the bike and we were riding that bike again. Ya know? It’s hard to describe to be honest with you. But I’m glad that they felt the same way that I felt. Because it wasn’t like we were having to say a whole lot on the sideline. That wasn’t necessary. It was just we keep going at it, we keep battling away. And the big play finally presented itself and those guys nailed it. It was really well done by the entire offense there."