Ben Johnson after the Bears survive five turnovers: “We found a way”

Ben Johnson walked to the podium after the 27-24 win over Tampa Bay with the Bears at 7-2. Chicago turned the ball over five times, including four interceptions by Caleb Williams, and he summed it up this way: “It’s hard to win with five turnovers, and yet we found a way to do it.”

After Williams’ interceptions, the Bears allowed only three points over four Tampa Bay possessions and scored on one. The Buccaneers converted 2 of 12 third downs, and Baker Mayfield was sacked four times.

Down 17-13, Chicago stopped Tampa Bay after a deflected interception. Jaylon Johnson then stepped in front of a Mayfield throw and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, his first interception of the season.

Rookie receiver Luther Burden III has a concussion after a late third-down hit and a fumble that set up Tampa Bay’s tying score. He had seven catches for 97 yards and a 56-yard touchdown before he left.

With the game tied 24-24, Williams hit Kalif Raymond for 8 yards on third-and-4, then found Colston Loveland for 38. Santos kicked a 38-yard field goal as time expired. Williams went 22 of 37 for 279 yards.

Johnson said the team knows it did not play as well as it can. Chicago has won three straight standalone night games, and he believes the best football is still ahead in the back half of the season.