TAMPA — The Bucs looked anything but rusty in their season opener Sunday, forcing four takeaways in the first half and cruising to a 29-7 win over the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bucs (1-0) had a long wait to start their 2017, with last week's game against the Dolphins postponed until November by Hurricane Irma. There seemed no ill effects from the extended absence, with several players on the field for the first time in a full month.
The Bucs narrowly missed getting their first shutout since 2010 — a 21-0 win against the 49ers that year — and just their second since 2004.