Bears Survive Bucs

Tampa, FL – Walter Payton rushed for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Bears to a 21-17 survival road win in Tampa.

Chicago (3-7) used a powerful run attack (46-223-3TDs) to control most of the game, but turnovers (a total of 4) continued to plague the Bears.

Payton tallied the only points in the 1^st half with a 2-yard run at the 2:04 mark of the 1^st period.

The Bears went up 14-0 in the 3^rd quarter on a Matt Suhey 3-yard dive.

Tampa Bay (1-9) responded defensively when Joey Browner picked off Mike Tomczak and raced 27 yards for the score. It was 14-7 heading into the final frame.

The Buccaneers closed the gap on a Donald Igwebuike 30 yarder with 11:12 left. The Bears defensive responded by forcing one of its 3 turnovers. Wilbur Marshall sacked Steve Young (3 fumbles) forcing a fumble. Mike Singletary returned it 72 yards to the TB 2 where Payton rammed it home. 21-10 Bears with 9:46 left.

With the Bears trying to hold on and marching in Bucs territory, Jeremiah Castille punched the ball away from rookie Neal Anderson and Craig Curry took it 69 yards to the Bears 1. James Wilder smashed it in and the score was 21-17 with 2:26 remaining.

Bucs onside kick fails, but forced Chicago to punt into a touchback with 100 ticks left. Young would take the Bucs to the Bears 44 before a final desperation throw was batted down by Mike Richardson.