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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Two years prior, Baker Mayfield was focused on reviving his career in Southern California.
On Sunday, in his 100th career start, Mayfield returned to form and orchestrated a powerful performance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a decisive win over one of the top defenses in the NFL.
He threw for 288 yards and accounted for four touchdown passes as the Buccaneers overcame the Los Angeles Chargers with a score of 40-17, showcasing dominance especially in the second half.
The Buccaneers, currently leading the NFC South with an 8-6 record, were trailing 17-10 late in the second quarter but managed to respond with six consecutive scoring drives, including five in the latter half of the game.
“We came into halftime with a mindset that if the offense took care of the ball, we would be fine,” Mayfield remarked, completing 22 of 27 attempts. “The defense stepped up and got the stops we needed, and the offensive line really controlled the game. It was a true display of complementary football.”
Mike Evans turned in a standout performance with a season-high 159 yards receiving and two touchdowns, notably including the play that shifted the momentum in Tampa Bay’s favor early in the third quarter.
On a critical second-and-13 from their own 43-yard line, Mayfield skillfully avoided pressure, scrambling left before finding Evans for a 57-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Buccaneers ahead 20-17 with 10:23 left in the third quarter.
Evans had lined up as the outside receiver before cleverly navigating across the field to catch the ball at the Chargers’ 35-yard line. Despite a shoulder tackle attempt from rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still, Evans maintained his balance and raced into the end zone.
“Baker did an excellent job, moving out to the left and I ran with him,” Evans said, who finished with nine receptions. “With quarterbacks who scramble, you have to move to keep their eyes on you. He tossed a perfect pass, stayed along the sideline, and made a fantastic play.”
Late in the third quarter, Evans also made a 35-yard reception that increased the lead to 30-17. This marked Evans’ 14th game with over 150 receiving yards, making him one of the top performers in this category among active players, just behind Miami’s Tyreek Hill.
Rachaad White contributed with an 11-yard touchdown catch on a screen pass, extending the score to 37-17 midway through the final quarter.
For the first time throughout his seven-year career, Mayfield surpassed 30 touchdown passes in the very venue where he rejuvenated his career. Last year, Mayfield stepped in for the Rams and managed to secure two wins in five games, including a dramatic comeback against Las Vegas shortly after his signing.
“I’ve always maintained self-confidence,” Mayfield stated just feet from the Rams’ locker room at SoFi Stadium. “There have been highs and lows, but that’s part of the NFL journey. I just aimed to find the right situation, and Tampa Bay has felt like the right fit since the beginning.”
The Buccaneers rolled up over 400 yards in total offense, achieving a rushing total exceeding 150 yards for the fourth consecutive game. They did not have to punt throughout ten offensive possessions against a Chargers defense that previously allowed the lowest points in the league at just 15.9 per game through 12 matches.
Tampa Bay outgained Los Angeles by a staggering 506-206, with a pronounced 223-32 advantage in rushing yards.
“I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a defensive coordinator to devise strategies against us with all the personnel changes and plays we run from similar formations. It certainly creates a challenging dynamic,” Mayfield said.
Rookie Bucky Irving demonstrated his skills with a 117-yard rushing performance, which included a notable 54-yard gain during the third quarter, setting the stage for Chase McLaughlin’s second field goal.
“That’s significant. It’s December football, after all,” assessed Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. “We’re focused on stopping the run while also committing to running the ball ourselves. Today, we executed well on both fronts.”
For the Chargers (8-6), who remain in a playoff position, this defeat marked their third loss in four games and was the most lopsided loss in Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural season as head coach.
Justin Herbert finished the game with 21 completions out of 33 attempts for 195 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also saw his interception-free streak end during the third quarter, marking his first pick since Week 2 and concluding a remarkable run of 357 consecutive attempts without a turnover.
“It was a thorough outing from their side. We now have to face that adversity and focus on how we respond,” Harbaugh said. “Every aspect of our game today fell short.”
Both teams began with scoring drives, as Mayfield connected with Jalen McMillan for a 26-yard touchdown, followed soon after by a Chargers response—a 10-play drive that culminated in Herbert finding Ladd McConkey for a 7-yard touchdown.
The teams exchanged field goals before Los Angeles established a 17-10 lead midway through the second quarter with Quentin Johnston’s eighth touchdown reception this season.
Herbert’s interception came when he attempted a pass while moving backward on second-and-10 from the LA 10-yard line. The pass drifted wide, resulting in Johnston losing track of it and Jamel Dean intercepting the ball at the Chargers’ 42.
“It is what it is. I aim to protect the ball and minimize risks for our team. Unfortunately, that one slipped away from me,” acknowledged Herbert, whose streak without an interception ranks as the fifth-longest in league history.
Injury updates included Chargers cornerback Cam Hart, who suffered a concussion in the second quarter, and guard Zion Johnson, who dealt with an ankle injury during the third quarter.
As the Buccaneers prepare for their matchup against Dallas next Sunday, the Chargers will host Denver this Thursday.
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