The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The biggest story line and the most talked about is of course Lovie Smith and others return to Chicago to play against the Bears. There's been some pregame commentary from both teams on the return that will be provided. There are also some keys to the game for both teams. These two teams were supposed to have a better record than what there records are. Finally, a prediction as to who's going to win this matchup.
The talk of the game is no doubt the Lovie Smith reunion. That was the first thing that came to mind when the schedule came out. Both teams are downplaying saying there's no emotion. This writer is certain as game day approaches things might change. According to Greg Auman, Tampa Bay Times, Lovie Smith said this, "I got paid by four schools in one calendar year," Lovie Smith says of all the places he's coached, trying to downplay return to Chicago." Isiah Frey of the Buccaneers who played with Smith in 2012 said this," I'm looking forward to it. I'd be lying if I were to say I didn't have this game circled since right when I signed here. I'm excited for this game." Major Wright will also be playing against his former team as the starting safety. Josh McCown who played in Chicago said this," I'm looking forward to it," he said. "When you're growing up and you get to go compete in the neighborhood against guys you know, or growing up playing against your brothers, it just makes it more fun because you know how they're going to prepare. You know they're going to give you their best." Also, Leslie Frazier, the current Bucs defense coordinator was a Bears player.
Both teams aren't playing like they should have coming into the season. Both have been on a slide. The Buccaneers have statistically played better on the road. Actually, both Buccaneers wins have come on the road. There are a few keys to both teams. The first key for the Bucs win is to run the ball. The Bucs haven't been good at all this season at running the ball. Doug Martin is back from injury and is expected to be used in the running back rotations. Charles Sims, who Lovie Smith said he reminded him of Matt Forte, will be used possibly for running back screens.
Can the Buccaneers stop Jared Allen on the offensive line? Against the Redskins, the offensive line did a nice job protecting McCown. Anthony Collins will be the guard that Allen will face off against. Luke Stocker, the primary blocking tight end is healthy and back. He's the key player to step up and make blocks and help the offense.
The keys for the Chicago Bears to defeat the Buccaneers is the Bears secondary versus rookie sensation Mike Evans. The Bears clearly had no idea on how to stop Jordy Nelson he was constantly ahead of the Bears secondary. Mike Evans could be the same way. It's up to Tim Jennings and the defense to step up. They can't have Evans on one player.
The final key to this matchup is the Chicago Bears offensive line versus Gerald McCoy and the Bucs defensive ends. Same with Jared Allen, Gerald McCoy is a pass rushing machine. Jacques Smith had a huge game against the Redskins. Kyle Long needs to make the necessary blocks to protect Jay Cutler.
Lovie Smith will comeback and stun the Chicago Bears. Marc Trestman is on the hot seat the seat may be hotter after Sunday. If Lovie Smith wins, Mike Ditka was the first coach to return to another team to beat the Bears, so Smith would be the second. Pro Bowler linebacker Lavonte David is game time decision. If he plays the Bucs win. If not, the Bucs won't win.