Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Week 9 Players to Watch

Ahead of the Week 9 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, writer Bryan Orenchuk highlights rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter and wide receiver Tez Johnson as key Buccaneers to watch. Trotter, a second-round pick out of Missouri, leads Tampa Bay defenders in tackles despite missing a game and poses a significant threat to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago offense.

On offense, Orenchuk identifies Johnson as a deep-threat wide receiver averaging 19.8 yards per catch who could exploit Chicago's secondary. The writer suggests that if Tampa Bay can establish its ground attack behind running backs Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell, quarterback Baker Mayfield could target Johnson downfield off play-action passes.