1997 Game 231 (Week 17) Chicago at Tampa Bay

Bears take down the Buccaneers!

It’s been a disappointing season for the Chicago Bears, but they ended the season on a high note as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houlahan Stadium Sunday, 20-17, in the season finale.

The Bears blocked a Sean Landeta punt with 1:30 remaining in the 4th quarter that set the Bears up at the Buccaneer 12-yard line. A few plays later, Darnell Autry plunged into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 15 seconds remaining to give the Bears the victory.

Autry rushed for 63 yards on the day on 22 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown. QB Eric Kramer was knocked out of the game early in the 4th quarter. He finished 11 of 19 passing for 107 yards with a TD and an INT. Rick Mirer came in and directed the Bears to the final TD. He was three of six for 19 yards on the day.

The Buccaneers finished the season with a 10-6 record and are the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs. They will travel to either Washington or San Francisco in the Wildcard round next weekend. The Bears won two of their last three games but finished up with a 3-13 record.

1997 Game 231 Stats

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I'm a resident of Mission, SD, which is in the south-central part of the state along the Nebraska border. I am a literature teacher at my hometown high school. I just retired from 25 years a very successful coaching career - basketball and football. I have two children. My daughter is a physical therapist living in Phoenix, AZ, and my son recently graduated from Notre Dame and is working in Wisconsin in the political arena. I am an owner of the Green Bay Packers, and I am a huge LA Lakers fan. I have a beautiful husky dog named Oakley. I have been playing APBA football since I was 13 and my first set was the 1985 NFL season.

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