Mayfield Calls Simmons a Game-Wrecker Ahead of Bears
The Buccaneers face the 6-2 Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football after a three-game stretch that has moved Tampa Bay to 3-5.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Baker Mayfield called Jeffery Simmons a game-wrecker ahead of the Buccaneers' matchup with the Chicago Bears. Simmons recorded one sack and six tackles in his Chicago debut in a 34-17 Bears win over Seattle on Monday.
Why it matters
Simmons drew 13 double teams, the most among Chicago defenders, which could open one-on-one chances for the Bears' rest of the defensive line and make Tampa Bay's blocking assignments harder. The result will weigh on Tampa Bay's push to extend its winning streak as it works to climb back into the playoff picture.
Simmons attracted 13 double teams, the most of any Chicago defender, according to Next Gen Stats, while the Bears held Seattle to 252 yards in Monday's 34-17 win. Tampa Bay's blocking performance against that front has not yet been tested in this matchup.
The players
Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback who publicly described Jeffery Simmons as a game-wrecker before the matchup.
Jeffery Simmons
Defensive tackle who made his Chicago Bears debut against Seattle after previously playing for the Tennessee Titans.
Chicago Bears
NFL franchise based in Chicago, currently 6-2 and near the top of the NFC North standings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL franchise based in Tampa Bay, Florida, currently 3-5 after recent wins over Carolina and Atlanta.
The details
Tampa Bay improved to 3-5 with wins over Carolina and Atlanta and rushed for 584 yards across its last two games, with Gainwell delivering a career-high 140 rushing yards against Atlanta. Montez Sweat recorded a sack and three quarterback pressures against Seattle in the Bears' win.
Timeline
Monday: Chicago defense holds Seattle to 252 yards in a 34-17 win.
Sunday: Buccaneers play the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
Season Trajectory
Simmons' ability to draw extra attention in his first Chicago game extends the interior-pressure role he played earlier in his career with Tennessee. The outcome of this matchup could shape how both the Bears and Buccaneers position themselves in their respective divisional races.
Fantasy managers with Buccaneers running backs or Bears defensive linemen should track Sunday's snap counts and matchup results. Simmons' double-team volume could affect how much one-on-one pressure the rest of Chicago's front generates.
The takeaway
Simmons' 13 double teams show how one defensive lineman can change an entire front's matchups, which is worth watching in any game where interior pressure matters. Tampa Bay's rushing success over its last two games suggests its run game may be the key to answering Chicago's front.
What happens next
The Buccaneers and Bears meet on Sunday Night Football, when Simmons' effect on Tampa Bay's blocking will be tested.
Further reading
For the broader league picture, see the latest Football coverage on Wisevoter.
