Williams connects with Loveland to set up Santos' winning field goal as Bears edge Buccaneers 27-24
Chicago stunned adversity to beat Tampa Bay 27-24 as Cairo Santos’ 38-yard field goal as time expired capped a chaotic finale. Caleb Williams, despite a career-high four interceptions, orchestrated the drive that set up Loveland’s 38-yard catch and the clinching kick, preserving the Bears’ momentum at 7-2. The win came amid five turnovers by Chicago, the latest reminder that the team’s efficiency has room to grow. Williams showed resilience, insisting he’ll keep attacking, while veteran defense contributed a game-turning return. Looking ahead, Chicago will take a bye week before facing New Orleans, hoping the late surge signals better football ahead, while Tampa Bay continues to search for consistency after a high-workload performance on the ground.
Dive Deeper:
The Bears earned a 27-24 victory over the Buccaneers despite committing five turnovers, including a career-high four interceptions by Caleb Williams. The late drive culminated with a 38-yard catch by Colston Loveland to set up Cairo Santos’ game-winning field goal as time expired.
Williams finished 22 of 37 for 279 yards with two touchdowns and four picks, underscoring a rough night offensively that Chicago managed to overcome through timely plays and late-stretch execution.
Colston Loveland’s 38-yard reception on the final drive moved Chicago into field-goal range, after which Santos delivered his second successful kick of the night to seal the win at 27-24.
A key turning moment came when Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson intercepted Mayfield and returned it 67 yards for a pick-6, his first interception of the season, swinging momentum in Chicago’s favor.
Bucs spark came from a comeback attempt led by Mayfield, who tied the game with a 2-point conversion with 2:51 left, following Bucs’ scoring drives before the late Chicago finish.
Luther Burden contributed substantially with seven receptions for 97 yards, including a 56-yard gain earlier, but Chicago’s defense smothered Tampa Bay after allowing a 24-16 lead earlier in the game.
In the aftermath, both teams noted injuries (Winfield Jr. for Tampa Bay and Stevenson for Chicago) and the Bears projected rest with a bye week before hosting the Saints, while the Buccaneers prepare for a road game against Detroit.