The Buccaneers are coming off their best performance of the year versus the Redskins last week. All three phases were successful and it was a complete team win to improve to 2-8 on the season. This week has been labeled by many in the Chicago area as the "Lovie Bowl." Lovie Smith was the Bears head coach for nine seasons after being let go following a 10-6 season in 2012. Lovie might not show his emotions on his sleeve, but I've got to think he really wants this one. The Bucs will come into Chicago with some momentum and motivation as they try to get Lovie Smith his third win of the year versus his former club.
Here are some keys for the Bucs to get the job done.MAN UP
The Bucs will have their hands full in the secondary on Sunday as they try to defend the Bears outstanding WR/TE trio. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett might be the leagues' most dangerous receiving trio in the NFL. The one way to slow down them down is for the Bucs defensive line to duplicate their performance from last week. Sacks, hits, and pressure on the quarterback by the front four are vital.
Get familiar with the key players on Chicago before the Bucs take on the Bears on Sunday.
If Cutler has time to pass...Look out.MATT FORTE
Say what you want about the Bears passing game. When the Bears are winning its because of one man, RB Matt Forte. He's a premiere runner and pass catcher, and one of the most complete backs in the NFL. Last week he had over 150 all-purpose yards. Lavonte David and the rest of the linebacking crew will be tested. David vs. Forte is a ticket seller and should be a fun matchup to watch.BUCS TRIO OF WEAPONS
Prior to the 2014 season, Jason Licht and Lovie Smith had visions of their own trio of weapons for quarterback Josh McCown. McCown's success in Chicago was created by his former weapons of Marshall, Jeffery, and Bennett. Enter Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. It wasn't quite the start we projected, but Mike Evans is showing us he can take over a game every week. Jackson held the fort down early and will definitely benefit from the coverage rolling to Evans. Seferian-Jenkins has shown the potential to be a huge factor in the running and passing game. It's time for these three guys to shine in the final six games of the season.BALANCED ATTACK
It's going to be in my keys every week. The Bucs must find a way to run the football. The offensive line has been the most inconsistent piece of this 2014 Bucs team. Pass protection was a key to the Bucs winning last week vs. the Redskins. As the weather gets colder, the top teams will run the football more. This Bears defense has been torched the last several games. The O-line needs to set the tone with whoever is in at running back for the Bucs. They'll need to hit the hole hard and make someone miss in the second level. Balance will supply the Bucs the best chance to achieve their third win of the season.
