Tickets–Approximately 15,000 available in capacity of 74,315.
TV-radio–WBBM-TV (Channel 2), Tim Ryan and Johnny Morris. WGN (720), Wayne Larrivee, Dick Butkus, Jim Hart.
The game–Second of two against NFC Central Division rival Buccaneers.
Last game–Sept. 8, 1985. Bears won 38-28 after Bucs took 21-7 lead. QB Jim McMahon completed 23 of 34 passes. RB Walter Payton enjoyed best game of season, 120 yards in 17 carries. Tampa Bay`s James Wilder rushed for 166 yards.
The records–Buccaneers (0-4) lost to Bears 28-38, Vikings 16-31, Saints 13-20, Lions 9-30. Bears (4-0) beat Buccaneers 38-28, Patriots 20-7, Vikings 33-24, Redskins 45-10.
What to watch–When the Buccaneers have the ball, RB James Wilder is leading rusher in league and QB Steve DeBerg hurt Bears last time with passes to TE Jerry Bell. But Bucs have failed to make big plays. Coach Leeman Bennett said he won`t go with former USFL QB Steve Young, but said DeBerg ”has not made the plays he needs to make. We`ll get somebody open and he`ll miss them.”
When Bears have the ball, McMahon is murder on the Bucs. He has played against them more times (6) than he has any other team. In last three games, he is 51 of 74 for 631 yards and 6 TDs. If Bucs become first team not to stack against Payton, he could again enjoy a 100-yard day. Bucs best defensive player, LB Hugh Green, walked out of camp for a day in disgust over defensive scheme.
Key matchups–Bucs` TE Jerry Bell vs. Bears` LB Wilber Marshall. Teams have had success isolating Marshall in pass coverage.
Bucs` RB James Wilder vs. Bears` MLB Mike Singletary. The Bears were embarrassed by Wilder`s success last time. Wilder has a string of six consecutive 100-yard games.
Bucs` WR Kevin House vs. Bears` CB Mike Richardson. House has caught one TD this year, against Richardson.
Bears` WR Dennis McKinnon vs. Bucs` CB Jeremiah Castille. McKinnon`s 5 TD catches lead the NFC. He has caught TD passes in 11 games in his three-year career and the Bears have won them all.
Bears` RB Walter Payton vs. Bucs` LB Hugh Green. Green complained the Bucs` defense restricts his movement, which is all right with Payton.
Bears` C Jay Hilgenberg vs. Bucs` NT David Logan. Hilgenberg is an unsung anchor of the offensive line that has protected McMahon well.
Key injuries–Bucs: LB Jeff Davis (shoulder), KR Leon Bright (knee) both questionable. Bears: G Kurt Becker (knee) out; S Dave Duerson (groin), T Jimbo Covert (back) probable.
