Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still (29) intercepts a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13).
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Beginning with a field goal at the end of the first half, the Buccaneers scored 30 unanswered points to turn a 17-10 deficit into a rout midway through the fourth quarter that had Chargers fans streaming toward the exits.
“We didn’t have no energy in the second half,” said cornerback Tarheeb Still, whose second-quarter interception turned into a touchdown catch by Quentin Johnston. “We didn’t really feel the swag.”
The Buccaneers sliced through the Chargers with a balanced attack that ran up 506 total yards. Running back Bucky Irving rushed for 117 yards and receiver Mike Evans had 159 yards receiving. It was the first time this season the Chargers had allowed a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver in the same game.
Sunday’s defensive debacle knocked the Chargers from the top of the NFL’s defensive list. They’re now in a three-way tie with Philadelphia and Denver as the best scored-against defenses, allowing 17.6 points per game.
The Broncos have won four consecutive games entering Thursday’s prime-time game that could decide the Chargers’ playoff fate.
When asked of his confidence level heading into the pivotal matchup, James smiled.
“120% confidence,” the star safety said. “I can sleep good at night knowing that I have confidence in the men in the locker room and the coaches.”
Staff contributor Anthony DeLeon assisted with this report.
