The Bears make their way to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers (off last week) as this NFC Central rivalry is renewed once again.

While the Bears own an impressive 30-12 edge in the series standings and have prevailed in 12 of the teams' 18 meetings in the 1990s, Bucs swept this rivalry last season for the first time since 1989. In Week 3, in the first game at brand new Raymond James Stadium, Buccaneers QB Trent Dilfer threw for just 147 yards but a pair of touchdowns and RB Mike Alstott rushed for 103 yards and a score as Tampa erased a 15-0 halftime deficit with 27 unanswered points for a 27-15 victory.

Two months later at Soldier Field (Week 13), Dilfer threw for just 153 yards but for three touchdowns and the Tampa defense limited Chicago to just 224 total yards as the Buccaneers completed the sweep, 31-17.

The Bears have lost three straight and are just 2-5 in their last 7 visits to Tampa dating back to 1992.

Numbers: The Bears have forced 17 turnovers in six games in '99, this after totaling just 28 takeaways in 16 games in '98. They have totaled 21 sacks in six games in '99, this after finishing tied for last in the NFL in sacks (28) in 16 games in '98. Including playoffs (87 games), the Bears have allowed 520 points in 37 wins (14.1 PPG), 1,410 points in 51 losses (27.6 PPG) the last six seasons (1994-99). WR Curtis Conway has scored at least one touchdown in his last three games.

The Buccaneers have allowed 816 yards, 47 points and five offensive touchdowns in their last two games (0-2). In their previous four games dating back to '98, the Buccaneers' defense had given up just 677 total yards (169.3 YPG) and 32 points and have allowed just one offensive touchdown in those four contests/ Including playoffs (1996-99), Buccaneers QB Trent Dilfer has thrown 59 interceptions in his last 55 games, 10 of those returned for touchdowns. The Bucs have been outscored a combined 50-14 in the first quarter in five games in '99. They have returned 1,399 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return. The Buccaneers have forced 20 turnovers in 10 wins, nine turnovers in 11 losses dating back to '98. Their defense has limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in eight straight games dating back to '98. They have committed two or more turnovers in five straight games.

Things To Look For: Dick Jauron's young club stubbed their toes against the Eagles last week, and now rookie QB Cade McNown will get an up close and personal look at Tampa's fierce defense, which had its way with the Bears in both meetings last season. The well-rested Buccaneers figure to get their powerful ground attack cranked up against a Chicago defense that has been spotty against the run to date.

Etc.: Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Buccaneers are 27-28 under head coach Tony Dungy, including just 10-18 vs. NFC Central rivals. After losing their first five games in '96 and opening 1-8 under head coach Tony Dungy, the Buccaneers are 26-20 in their last 46 contests dating back to '96 (including 1-1 in playoffs). However, after opening 5-0 in 1997, the Buccaneers are just 16-18 (including playoffs) in their last 34 games.