The Bears took the lead for good after Jerry Eckwood's fumble on the Buccaneer two-yard line set up a Vince Evans touchdown. The fumble was one of three committed by Eckwood, although one was called back and the other was recovered by Doug Williams. Eckwood was taken out of the game after the third fumble, which occurred while Eckwood was playing with a separated shoulder.Rosaforte, Tim. "Erratic Eckwood own worst enemy". St. Petersburg Times. 21 Dec 1980 Eckwood was not alone in fumbling, as Kevin House and Jimmie Giles were both stripped of the ball near the goal line, ending two potential game-winning fourth-quarter drives. The Buccaneers still had one last opportunity to win the game, but Al Harris blocked Garo Yepremian's field goal attempt with 40 seconds left.Donley, John. "At last, fortune smiles on the Bears". St. Petersburg Times. 21 Dec 1980 Ricky Bell reinjured his knee and sat out the second half, while Ray Snell suffered a knee injury.Zier, Patrick. "Bucs fumble their way to season-ending loss". The Lakeland Ledger. 21 Dec 1980 $6,000 worth of equipment and uniforms were stolen from the Bears' locker room before the game, but play was not affected, as the Bears had two sets of gear.Associated Press. "Bears 14, Buccaneers 13". The New York Times. 21 Dec 1980
