Who Has the Advantage In Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears Week 12 Matchup?

By Clyde A. Speller

Bucs vs. Bears: Which Team Has the Advantage?

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte vs Bucs — The reunion between Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears will be one of the most interesting matchups in Week 12. In addition to both teams having similar statistics across the board, they also have extreme knowledge of one another. This matchup has the makings of a shootout that can go down to the wire. Let’s take a look to see who has the upper hand.

Bears’ Pass Offense vs. Bucs’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler6

Bears’ Pass Offense vs. Bucs’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler6 — The Bucs are surrendering an average of 266.1 passing yards per game (30th in the NFL). Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and the rest of Chicago’s offense should have a field day against the familiar Cover 2 defense that they’ve seen during Lovie Smith’s tenure in the Windy City.

Advantage: Bears

Bears’ Run Offense vs. Bucs’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte5

Bears’ Run Offense vs. Bucs’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte5 — Chicago is averaging only a little over 100 rushing yards per game thanks to a pass-heavy offense. However, Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte should still be able to take advantage of the Bucs’ 22nd ranked run defense (118.2).

Advantage: Bears

Bucs’ Pass Offense vs. Bears’ Pass Defense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Evans

Bucs’ Pass Offense vs. Bears’ Pass Defense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Mike Evans — Bucs rookie wide receiver Mike Evans has scored five touchdowns in the last three games, and quarterback Josh McCown should still be aware of Chicago’s tenancies on defense. The Bears have surrendered the second-most passing TDs in league (24).

Advantage: Buccaneers

Bucs’ Run Offense vs. Bears’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Lance Briggs and Jon Bostic vs Vikings

Bucs’ Run Offense vs. Bears’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Lance Briggs and Jon Bostic vs Vikings — Tampa Bay’s running game has been nonexistent this season. The Bucs’ top rusher, Bobby Rainey, has only 392 yards on the year. The Bears are surrendering an average of 110.9 yards on the ground and haven’t given up a rushing TD in the past three games.

Advantage: Bears

Special Teams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Patrick Murray

Special Teams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Patrick Murray — Chicago has arguably one of the worst special teams units in the NFL. Kicker Robbie Gould has only attempted 10 field goals all season, and the Bears’ constant penalties have put the team in tough situations.

Advantage: Buccaneers

Coaching

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Lovie Smith

Coaching

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — It appears that the familiarity between both teams will play a major part in this contest. What this game will come down to is decision-making. Lately, Marc Trestman has constantly made questionable calls and has put his team in compromising positions as a result. On the flip side, with only two wins on the season thus far, Lovie Smith still hasn’t figured out a winning formula in Tampa Bay.

Advantage: Even

Who Has the Advantage?

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall, and Marquess Wilson

Who Has the Advantage?

Chicago Bears-Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall, and Marquess Wilson — With Smith making the calls for the Bucs’ defense and Trestman calling the shots for the Bears’ offense, this game is primed to be a battle of wits between the two head coaches. There are a few players for Tampa Bay who are accustomed to Chicago’s offense, but there are more players for the Bears who can diagnose the Bucs’ defense.

Overall Advantage: Bears

Teams in this article »

Chicago Bears

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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