The Tampa Bay Buccaneers proved that they are more than a team with a fantastic running back. Seven different players scored touchdowns in a back and forth battle between the Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers that ended with the Buccaneers ahead, 34-24.
The game featured five lead changes and a tie. Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes for the Chargers and Josh Freeman had two touchdown passes for the Buccaneers. Nick Novak had a field goal for the Chargers and Connor Barth had two field goals for the Buccaneers. The Chargers outgained the Buccaneers 426-279.
The difference in the game was a play on special teams and a play on defense for the Buccaneers. First, the Buccaneers blocked a Chargers punt in the second quarter and Adam Hayward returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. Then, Leonard Johnson intercepted a Rivers pass in the red zone and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown. That play gave the Buccaneers a 10 point lead and the Chargers never got closer than 3 down again.
The Buccaneers outscored the Chargers 17-3 in the second half.
Next week, the Buccaneers (5-4) will travel to Carolina to play the Panthers, and the Chargers (4-5) will travel to Denver to play the Broncos.
