Bears Seek Playoff Berth; Testaverde Will Not Play

The Chicago Bears can clinch their seventh postseason berth in eight years and gain a possible bye in the first round of the playoffs if they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will be without starting quarterback Vinny Testaverde at Soldier Field today.

“Every game now is like a playoff game to us,” said quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who led the Bears to a 27-13 victory Sunday over Green Bay, ending a two-game losing streak. “This is the one that will put us in the playoffs. And, it will give us extra money--a dash for cash.”

Chicago, tied with the Detroit Lions for the NFC Central Division lead, is a game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints in the race for the No. 2 playoff spot in the NFC. The Bears have won 21 of 27 games against Tampa Bay (2-12 this season).

The Bears (10-4) defeated Tampa Bay, 21-20, in Florida on Sept. 8, but the Buccaneer offense appears to be improved.

“Tampa Bay has been doing a lot of good things lately,” Chicago linebacker Mike Singletary said. “They’re a good team despite their record. We’re really going to have to go out and play flawless football.”

But the team was considerably weakened this week by the loss of Testaverde, who passed for 554 yards the last two weeks.

Jeff Carlson will make his first NFL start against the Bears, replacing Testaverde. Coach Richard Williamson said Friday that Testaverde, who suffered strained lower back muscles this week and did not practice, is “just not ready.”

Carlson, a second-year pro, has seen action in two games this season. He has completed 23 of 47 passes for 328 yards and one touchdown. He also has thrown three interceptions.

“I have a lot of confidence in Jeff,” Williamson said.

But with so much riding on the game for Chicago, Carlson will be up against a difficult challenge.