The Chicago Bears have found themselves in an awkward spot. After a wild run to a 3-0 start, their first dose of reality was delivered on Sunday in a dispiriting 19-11 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. A game in which their offense looked completely outclassed. What’s worse is they don’t have much time to think about it. Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are inbound fresh off their third-straight win of the season.
Brady is also coming off one of his best games in a long time, throwing five touchdown passes against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s clear the rumors of his demise from old age were greatly exaggerated. While the Bears defense is solid, there isn’t a lot of optimism they’ll be able to hold the future Hall of Famer in check for 60 minutes.
Not without help from the offense.
That being said, it may not be entirely hopeless. Based on recent reports, the Buccaneers offense is not going to come into Soldier Field at 100%. Not even close. They’ve already learned starting tight end O.J. Howard is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Now reports indicate their top three wide receivers have yet to practice this week and running back Leonard Fournette is also a game-time decision.
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#Bucs TE OJ Howard’s MRI confirmed that he tore his Achilles, source said. This is what was expected. The former first-round TE is done for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2020
Arians said none of his top four receivers practiced today — Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller and Justin Watson all not practicing. Short week means they could still play obviously but injury concerns are a big part of Bucs' offense on Thursday night.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 6, 2020
Arians said Leonard Fournette has shown improvement and would probably be a game-time decision Thursday night as he tries to return from his ankle injury.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 6, 2020
Tom Brady is still dangerous and needs to be harassed
Based on initial belief, the odds are Mike Evans will play despite a nagging ankle problem. Chris Godwin though is nursing a hamstring issue and is unlikely for this one. All this being said, the Buccaneers remain dangerous. They still have Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate at tight end. Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaugn are viable threats at running back. Even a hobbled Evans has proven he can still be dangerous as well.
The bottom line for the Bears defense is Brady himself. They have to find a way to make him uncomfortable. If that pass rush can’t get home, it’s going to be a long night.