Linebacker Shaq Barrett helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers improve to 2-0 on Sunday, capping off a 27-17 win over the Chicago Bears with a clutch, hard-fought pick-six.
With 2:03 left in the fourth quarter and the Bucs leading the Bears by three, 20-17, Chicago found itself backed up near its own goal line looking for the tying or go-ahead score. However, on the third play of the Bears' drive, Barrett sniffed out a screen pass intended for running back Khalil Herbert at the four-yard line before powering his way into the end zone, taking several Chicago players with him.
Shaq Barrett pick-six! Huge play for the @Buccaneers
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
: #CHIvsTB on FOX⁰: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/06xXbLoBGl
For the nine-year veteran, it's only the third interception of his career and first touchdown.
Barrett and company were a big reason why the Buccaneers remain undefeated after giving Bears quarterback Justin Fields fits throughout the day. Fields had a miserable outing, finishing 16-of-29 for 211 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Bucs intercepted the young Bears QB twice, sacking him six times.
The Buccaneers are off to a nice start, having found ways to squeeze out wins over the Minnesota Vikings (20-17) and Bears. However, they will face their stiffest test so far in Week 3, hosting the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles on "Monday Night Football."
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