Last meeting
In Week 15 of 2006, the Bears defeated the Bucs, 34-31, in overtime. Chicago QB Rex Grossman connected on 29 of 44 passes for 339 yards and two TDs.
Streaks
The Bears have beaten the Buccaneers two straight times and lead the overall series, 35-17.
Last week
Tampa Bay took the lead early and never looked back in its 24-9 victory over the Falcons. ... The Bears let a 14-point lead slip away in the second half of their 20-17 loss to the Panthers.
Keep your eye on ...
Brian Griese vs. old 'mates: Bucs coach Jon Gruden announced this week that he's sticking with the 11th-year veteran. Griese faces the team that he started six games for over the last two years. In his first start last week he threw for 160 yards and a touchdown.
Derrick Brooks' sore hammy: The Bears like going to their tight ends and running backs in the passing game and Brooks' hamstring will be tested as he chases the likes of Matt Forte, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen in coverage. He held up fine against the Falcons in his 193rd straight start, but the Bears will present a tougher challenge.
Bears' balanced attack: The Bears might have found a running game in 2008 with the rookie Forte, who has rushed for 215 yards in his first two games. Forte's presence has taken some of the pressure off of QB Kyle Orton, who doesn't have to win every game through the air.
Did you know?
The Bears have an NFL-best 60 wins in home openers with a 60-24-4 (.714) record. ... Under Gruden, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing a turnover. ... Orton has won eight straight starts at home and overall is 9-1 as a starter.
