Extra Point: Takeaways From The Buccaneers Win Over The Bears

JC Allen delivers his biggest takeaways from the Buccaneers 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved to 2-0 on the season after a 27-17 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The defense continues to shine, while the offense found its groove putting up 20 points for the second consecutive week. 

There was a lot to like from the win and plenty to build upon for the Bucs. They face a difficult challenge on Monday night when the Eagles come to town. But they've already proved they're not going to just roll over this season. 

Here are my top three takeaways from the Bucs Week 2 victory. 

Bucs Run Game Gets Going

After totaling just 73 yards rushing in Week 1 against the Vikings, the Bucs turned it up on Sunday. Rachaad White led the way with 73 yards on the ground for a 4.3 yards per carry average against the Chicago Bears. As a team, they totaled 120 yards rushing on 34 attempts for a healthy 3.5 yards per carry.

READ MORE: Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles Says Bears QB Justin Fields ‘Faster Than Most Of Our Guys’

The offensive line got a much better push and the backs were able to find the lanes. The Buccaneers had 13 runs go for four yards or more on the day. While they fell short of the 50 percent average of runs four or more yards they strive for on a weekly basis, there was plenty to build upon.

The Bucs still haven't had a signature run on the year with a long of just 14 yards. They have the players with home run threat ability but have yet to break one long. Sunday's performance was a step in the right direction after a last-place finish in 2022. 

Pass Rush Was Dominant For Bucs

Through the first two games, the Buccaneers have eight sacks on the season. Six of them came in their 27-17 win over the Bears on Sunday. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka led Tampa Bay with two sacks. Followed by Vita Vea's 1.5, Shaq Barrett and Cam Gill notching one a piece and Logan Hall picking up a half sack. The defense hit Justin Fields 10 times on the day after getting to Kirk Cousins nine times the week prior and pressuring him 16 times. 

The Bucs' pass rush has been responsible for several turnovers this season as well. Against Chicago, both interceptions were aided by the pass rush closing in on Justin Fields. Even if the defense hasn't been getting home they've been affecting the play. 

A true test awaits the Bucs next week when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarded as one of the best offensive lines in football, we'll see just how good this pass rush really is. Although, the Eagles did give up four sacks to the Vikings on Thursday Night Football. 

Offense Heating Up

Remember last week when I said this offense was a work in progress? Yeah, well progress was made on Sunday. Against the Bears, the Bucs totaled 437 total yards of offense. Baker Mayfield threw for 317 yards, while the running backs contributed 120 yards on the ground. Led by White's 73 yards rushing.

WATCH: Mike Evans Makes Massive 70-Yard Catch Setting up Buccaneers Touchdown

The offense was efficient converting 8-15 on third downs and didn't let up a sack on 17 pressures. However, the Bucs did have five penalties and a fumble that set them up in a third-and-long situation. They were able to overcome those hiccups and put up enough points to get the win.  

There is still room for improvement for Canales and the Buccaneers offense. Through two games the playcalling has been enough to win back-to-back games. Even with the offensive output on Sunday, wide receiver Mike Evans said the offense still isn't where it can be as they still learn the offense together. 

Three up, Three down

Up

Mike Evans

Evans was huge in this game coming up with 7 receptions for 171 yards and a score. 70 of those yards came on a catch-and-run early in the first quarter that saw him nearly score. He had several key third-down conversions, including his 32-yard touchdown that came on 3rd and 14. As of this article, he has the fourth most receiving yards in the NFL.

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield was a magician out there on Sunday. Several times he found ways to evade the pressure to find an open receiver. He found success moving the chains scrambling and has full command of this offense. Mayfield passed for over 300 yards against Chicago and more importantly hasn't turned the ball over in two straight games. 

Shaq Barrett

There's no better story than the resurgence of Barrett. After tearing his Achilles and suffering a tragedy in the offseason. He came to camp in great shape and ready to go. Against the Bears, he tallied his first sack of the year, recorded his third career interception, and first ever pick-six to seal the Buccaneers victory. He dedicated the defensive touchdown to his late daughter Arrayah. 

Down

Sean Tucker

Tucker got eight carries on the day and finished with a woeful seven yards. To really put that in perspective, his longest run on the day was for seven yards. He had four runs that went for negative yards in the game. With Chase Edmonds ruled out with an injury Tucker had an opportunity to make a mark but failed to capitalize. 

Cade Otton

Otton ended the day with six receptions for 41 yards,  including a huge third-down conversion from a scrambling Mayfield. However, he has been a liability as a blocker. He can't hold his blocks in the passing game and doesn't get much push in the run game either. If the Bucs are going to have sustained success this year Otton will need to contribute as more than just a receiver. 

Jamel Dean

Dean hasn't quite played up to the standards he did last season. Against the Viking, he let up four catches for 53 yards and this week was on the receiving end of at least one of D.J. Moore's long gains. While he's still a force in run support. He needs to get back to the lockdown corner he was last season. 

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook