Throwback Thursday: Bears defeat Tom Brady for the first time
Every Thursday throughout the 2021 regular season, Bears Wire will take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in Chicago Bears history that occurred on or near that given day.
October 8th, 2020: Bears defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Tom Brady loses track of downs.
You won’t have to go too far in the past for this throwback. It’s been just over a year since the Bears got their first victory against Tom Brady during his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now that the two teams are meeting once again this weekend, let’s relive that thrilling, yet confusing game.
The Bucs visited the Bears on Thursday Night Football as heavy favorites, despite missing some of their key offensive personnel. Brady got things started early on a promising opening drive that ended with three points. An interceptions by Nick Foles led to a Tampa touchdown to make it 10-0, followed by another field goal. The Buccaneers were on their way to a blowout before the Bears caught fire.
On the ensuing drive, Foles utilized running backs David Montgomery and Cordarrelle Patterson to move 75 yards down the field. The drive was capped off with a Montgomery run for a touchdown, but the momentum didn’t end there. Tampa Bay’s next drive was thwarted by a forced fumble from cornerback Kyle Fuller at their own 26-yard line. The Bears recovered, setting up a touchdown pass from Foles to Jimmy Graham. All of a sudden it was 14-13 Bears at the half.
The second half admittedly wasn’t as exciting, with both teams trading field goals. Each team’s defense clamped down on the opposing offense, but it was the Bears who got the last strike. After getting the ball back from the Buccaneers with just 2:21 to go and down 19-17, Foles manufactured a game-winning drive that featured a clutch catch by Anthony Miller on third and long, as well as a quick wheel route from Montgomery to put the Bears in field goal range. With 1:13 left in the game, Cairo Santos made a 38-yard kick to take the 20-19 lead. But did Brady have too much time on the clock?
The future Hall of Fame quarterback set out to do what he’s done many times over the course of his storied career and lead a comeback victory. But on fourth down, Brady took a shot downfield and missed his target, believing he still had another down to work with. Confused and holding up four fingers, Brady trotted off the field, losing 20-19. He hasn’t forgotten that gaffe and will likely want to make a statement this Sunday when he faces the Bears for the first time since the loss.
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