As the Bears search for their own answers at quarterback, they will have to find a way to stop Tampa Bay’s latest answer for its problems.
Brian Griese, who started the season as the Bucs’ third-string quarterback, has moved the Tampa Bay offense the last two weeks. And Griese won’t have to face pass rusher Adewale Ogunleye, out with an ankle injury.
“I think we should be able to get after them,” said Michael Haynes, who will start for Ogunleye. “He can’t handle pressure as well, so if we get after him, we can make him nervous in the pocket.”
Jonathan Quinn is expected to get his third straight start after poor showings in losses to Philadelphia and Washington. Rookie Craig Krenzel got more practice time last week and could be called on if Quinn falters again.
The Bears’ defense spent the week looking at films of Washington’s Clinton Portis running through them for 171 yards and 4.8 yards per carry last week.
“We have to stop the run,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “After what they saw on film, they will try to run.”
Who has the edge?
QUARTERBACKS
Brian Griese started the season as a third-stringer but has played well two weeks in a row.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
RUNNING BACKS
Bucs should regret letting Thomas Jones leave as a free agent.
EDGE: BEARS
RECEIVERS
Bucs rookie Michael Clayton becoming a force; Bears’ wideouts are victims of QB problems.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
OFFENSIVE LINE
Led by Olin Kreutz and John Tait, the line has held up its end of the deal.
EDGE: BEARS
DEFENSIVE LINE
Simeon Rice leads a solid Tampa Bay lineup; Bears’ pass rush may disappear without Adewale Ogunleye (leg injury).
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
LINEBACKERS
Two good groups, but Bucs have three experienced veterans, led by Derrick Brooks.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
SECONDARY
Bears believe Jerry Azumah is their Ronde Barber, but Bucs have longer resumes.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
SPECIAL TEAMS
Bears P Brad Maynard is having a good year; Bucs PK Martin Gramatica is slumping (3 straight missed FGs).
EDGE: BEARS
COACHING
Jon Gruden has Super Bowl victory on his resume.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
