Irving touchdown cuts Bears’ lead over Buccaneers to 17-13
Baker Mayfield connected with Tez Johnson for 58 yards to set up Tampa Bay’s touchdown early in the third quarter.
Bucky Irving scored on a 2-yard run as the Buccaneers narrowed their deficit against the Bears to 17-13, with 11:37 remaining in the third quarter. Tampa Bay scored on its opening possession after halftime.
Baker Mayfield found Tez Johnson for a 58-yard gain to put Tampa Bay in position for the touchdown. Earlier in the drive, Chris Godwin caught a 7-yard pass from Mayfield to convert third-and-3. Mayfield’s passing line stood at 13-of-21 for 204 yards.
The touchdown followed a first half in which Tampa Bay managed only three points from three interceptions. In a halftime interview with NBC, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said receiving the second-half kickoff was a major reason he had not pursued a touchdown at the end of the second quarter.
Chicago defensive back Tyrique Stevenson was questionable to return because of a hand injury. Cornerback Kyler Gordon left the field holding his left arm after going down during Johnson’s long reception. Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield was out because of an ankle injury.
