Baker Mayfield was attempting to save his career in Southern California two years ago.
In his 100th career start, Mayfield triumphantly returned on Sunday, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense to a decisive victory over one of the NFL’s top defenses.
Mayfield led the Buccaneers to a 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, throwing for 288 yards and four touchdowns in the second half.
Before scoring on six consecutive drives, including five in the second half, the NFC South-leading Buccaneers (8-6) fell behind 17-10 late in the second quarter.
Mayfield, who completed 22 of 27 passes, said, “We said at halftime that we would be fine if the offense didn’t hurt ourselves.” “The offensive line took over after the defense halted them. It was a football game that was complimentary.
The play that put the Bucs ahead early in the third quarter was one of Mike Evans’ season-high 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
With 10:23 left in the third quarter, Mayfield escaped pressure and scampered left on second-and-13 at their own 43-yard line before finding Evans for a 57-yard touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 20-17 lead.
Evans ran across the field after lining up on the right side of the formation as the outside receiver. At the Chargers 35, he received the ball, ducked a rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still’s shoulder tackle attempt, and maintained his balance close to the sideline before scoring.
Evans had nine receptions. “Baker did a great job, they forced him out to the left and I ran with him,” Evans said. When dealing with scurrying quarterbacks, you must sprint and into their field of vision. He lingered on the sidelines and made a play after throwing me a fantastic ball.
Additionally, Evans increased the advantage to 30–17 late in the third quarter by hauling in a 35-yard pass. The veteran wide receiver recorded the second-highest receiving total of any active player with at least 150 yards in 14 games. Tyreek Hill of Miami leads with 16.
Halfway through the fourth quarter, Rachaad White made a screen pass and retrieved it for 11 yards, bringing the score to 37-17.
In the stadium where he had a sort of career comeback, Mayfield recorded his first 30-TD pass in his seven-year career. Mayfield led the Rams to two victories in the final five games of the 2022 season, including a thrilling triumph over Las Vegas two days after he was signed.
In March 2023, Mayfield used that to sign a contract with the Buccaneers.
“I have always had self confidence,” Mayfield remarked at SoFi Stadium, a short distance from the Rams’ locker room. “It was a trip, but that’s what an NFL career is all about. All I needed was to find the ideal place, and Tampa Bay has been that place for me right from the start.
For the fourth consecutive game, Tampa Bay ran for at least 150 yards and exceeded 400 yards of total offense. Against a Los Angeles defense that had given up a league-low 15.9 points in 12 games, the Buccaneers did not punt in 10 possessions.
The Chargers were outscored 506-206 by Tampa Bay, which also had a 223-32 advantage in rushing yards.
“With the personnel changes and the numerous plays off plays in the same configuration, I can only imagine what it must be like for a defensive coordinator to plot against us. “Defending that is difficult,” Mayfield remarked.
Chase McLaughlin’s second of four field goals was set up by rookie Bucky Irving’s 117-yard rush, which included a 54-yard carry off right guard in the third quarter.
“That is enormous. “You know,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles remarked, “it’s December football.” “We’re attempting to run the football and halt the run. Today, we performed well.
Despite dropping three of four games and suffering the worst loss in Jim Harbaugh’s first season as coach, Los Angeles (8-6) is still in the running for the playoffs.
Justin Herbert gained 195 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 33 passes. In the third quarter, after 357 tries without an interception, he was picked off for the first time since Week 2.
“It was quite comprehensive. really detailed. We’re facing that challenge now, and it’s (about) how we react,” Harbaugh stated. “All phases, just wasn’t good enough today.”
On their first drives, both teams scored.
Mayfield scored a 26-yard touchdown after connecting with Jalen McMillan. Herbert moved right and hit Ladd McConkey for a 7-yard score to cap off Los Angeles’ quick 10-play drive.
Before Quentin Johnston’s eighth touchdown grab of the season halfway through the second quarter gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead, the teams exchanged field goals.
Herbert’s streak snapped
When Herbert threw off his back foot on second-and-10 from the LA 10, his run of interceptions came to a stop. Johnston attempted to follow the floating ball. Jamel Dean was able to make his first pick of the season at the Chargers 42 because Johnston dove inside as the ball went outside.
“It is what it is. I always aim to keep the ball safe and avoid putting our team in danger. Herbert, who has the fifth-longest stretch in league history with 357 attempts without an interception, said, “Unfortunately, that one got away from me.”
Injuries
CB chargers In the second quarter, Cam Hart sustained a concussion and was unable to return. In the third quarter, G Zion Johnson hurt his ankle.
Up next
Buccaneers: Next Sunday, at Dallas.
Chargers: Thursday’s game against Denver.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!