Buccaneers at Chargers, let’s talk about it.
Football is a game of inches, but it’s also a game of quarters. Let’s dive into a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of some Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ football. The NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Bucs traveled west for a meet and greet with the Los Angeles Chargers, in a matchup that wielded massive postseason ramifications for both teams.
First Quarter:
Tampa Bay has played a risky game in 2024, consistently opting for the ball if/when they win the opening coin toss, a strategy that flies in the face of most conventional approaches. While Tampa has frequently forfeited the chance to double dip before and after the halftime intermission, the risk hasn’t been without reward. Liam Coen’s offense has scored seven touchdowns on opening drives this season— tied for most in NFL. Today would go according to plan— 7-0, Buccaneers.
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Chargers’ offense was not without response. Coming on the field trailing 7-0, Justin Herbert was unphased. LA’s offense tore through Todd Bowles’ defense like an apex predator through a carcass— 7-7, tied.
Second Quarter:
For the Buccaneers, drive number two began in the waning minutes of the game’s opening quarter and concluded as quarter number two got underway. 1:39 into the second quarter, the Buccaneers’ second drive stalled out inside the 10-yard line and they settled for a pee wee-sized field goal. 10-7, Bucs.
An LA field goal tied the game at the ten. Baker Mayfield, then tied his one touchdown with one interception. Mayfield’s theme on throwing to both his team and his opponent has been a story over the last two, now three, games. His interception gave the Chargers’ offense ideal field position and Tampa’s defense gave them points— 17-10, Chargers. For Bucs’ fans hoping one turnover wouldn’t lead to landslide, the offense’s next drive would not provide that reassurance. Short-yardage, Rachaad White, fumble— recovered by LA.
After their defense’s best drive of the day— forcing a punt, Tampa Bay’s offense looked to reroute the current course of the game back to its initial track. A stubbornness to throw the ball to Mike Evans, combined with a long Baker Mayfield scramble gave the Buccaneers that reroute— Setting them up for a Chase McLaughlin field goal before the break. 17-13, LA.
Third Quarter:
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Tampa’s offense got the ball second, but struck first. Baker Mayfield rolled out and found an open Mike Evans, streaking across the field for a 57-yard touchdown to give the Buccaneers the lead. Five plays, 83 yards— 20-17, Tampa Bay.
Back-to-back LA punts led to back-to-back Tampa Bay plays of 50-plus yards, as Bucky Irving provided the sequel to Mike Evans’ touchdown. Irving, as Bucs’ fans have become accustomed to, scampered down the sideline and set Tampa up for another three points. 23-17, Bucs. Up six, Tampa’s defense would step in and stall Justin Herbert’s climb to NFL history. Jamel Dean halted the fifth-longest streak in NFL history of consecutive passes thrown without an interception— Dean’s interception gave Tampa Bay momentum. Momentum that Tampa’s offense would use to increase their lead further. Baker Mayfield dropped back and fire a shot down the field to Mike Evans for the duo’s second score of the day. 30-17, Buccaneers.
Fourth Quarter:
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The fourth quarter began with more of the same, a Tampa Bay stop followed by a Baker Mayfield touchdown pass. His fourth touchdown of the day wrapped up Tampa’s fifth-straight scoring drive. 37-17, Bucs.
The Buccaneers, post another defensive stop, proceeded to add three additional points and clear the bench, as the clock ran down to zeros. Tampa Bay will remain unbeaten since their bye week and move to 8-6.
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