Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34 Chicago Bears 19Sunday 22 December 1996 at Houlihan’s StadiumFOX COMMENTARY CREW Thom Brennaman and Ron Pitts
Turning in their finest all-around effort in recent memory, the Bucs controlled the ball offensively, defensively and on special teams on the way to a 31-7 halftime lead. Though there were many Buc highlights, the most significant moment may have been turned in by rookie Karl Williams, who returned a second-quarter punt 88 yards for a touchdown, only the second Buc kick return ever to find the end zone.
GAME SCORINGCHI7:20-1Q Harris 1 run (Jaeger kick)TB1:19-1Q Moore 2 pass from Dilfer (Husted kick)TB13:25-2Q Rhett 3 run (Husted kick)TB8:45-2Q Williams 88 punt return (Husted kick)TB4:32-2Q Hawkins 15 pass from Dilfer (Husted kick)TB0:00-2Q Husted FG50TB13:40-4Q Husted FG22CHI2:14-4Q Engram 6 pass from Matthews (two-pt.attempt failed)CHI0:18-4Q Matthews 2 run (two-pt. attempt failed)