A win is a win. That's what the Chicago Bears must be thinking after barely escaping with a 27-24 triumph over the pesky Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a hard-nosed team that's much better than their record shows.
Todd Bowles' team never waved the white flag and kept pushing until the end. The Bears didn't do themselves any favors with sloppy execution and turnovers, but ultimately, they managed to take care of business.
We've already seen what this team is capable of when they're at their best, so it was nice to see that even when they're not, they can still find ways to win. Considering that, let's talk about the winners and losers of this game.
Winners and losers from the Bears' ugly win over the Buccaneers
Winner: Rome Odunze
The Bears are putting an emphasis on helping Rome Odunze break out of his slump, and while he was a bit inconsistent in this one, it looks like it's working. He's so talented, which is why it's also so frustrating to watch him struggle with routine plays at times.
Even so, the former first-round pick made his mark early in this one. He hauled in four receptions on seven targets for 60 yards and one touchdown, and he could've had another huge gain for a score that went right through his hands. He's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.
Loser: D'Andre Swift
The Bears abandoned the running game in this one. It may have been because of the Bucs' stout run defense, or maybe Ben Johnson got sick and tired of watching D'Andre Swift run into a brick wall and fail to gain much ground after contact.
Kyle Monangai will most likely return next week, and Swift hasn't been efficient in his absence, even though he had a three-score game last week. At least he's in no danger of losing his touches, especially with the Bears seemingly giving up on Roschon Johnson.
Winner: Jaylon Johnson
Jaylon Johnson desperately needed a big game, and he delivered when it mattered most. He read Baker Mayfield like an open book and jumped right in front of a pass to get not only his first interception of the season but also his first defensive touchdown.
Johnson turned back the clock and played like his old All-Pro-caliber self in this one. He gave up only one reception on five targets for six yards, holding his own against the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Cade Otton.
Loser: Caleb Williams
Even the best in the game are allowed to have a bad game here and there. Caleb Williams nearly cost his team in this one multiple times, making erratic throws and bad decisions after bad decisions, and putting the ball in harm's way.
Williams threw four interceptions, two of which came in consecutive plays. His first pick of the game came in the red zone when the Bears seemed poised to put the game out of reach early, and he finished the game with 22 completions on 37 attempts for 279 yards and two scores.
Winner: Austin Booker
Austin Booker is blossoming right before our eyes. He's been arguably the team's most underrated defensive player, showing the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the game in no time. He was called for a facemask in what would've been a game-sealing sack, but he was otherwise flawless.
Loser: Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson is a mad scientist, and his endeavors and experiments usually lead to success. This time, he was pretty close to shooting himself in the foot. He inexplicably abandoned the running game despite being up double digits, and he put Caleb Williams in a tough spot multiple times.
Maybe he was trying to make a point? Or perhaps he didn't trust the backs to get it done against the Bucs' stout front seven? Whatever the case, it was one of the very few times Johnson has looked unprepared.
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