Baker Mayfield Leads Buccaneers to Dominant Victory Over Chargers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Two years ago, Baker Mayfield was trying to salvage his career in Southern California. On Sunday, Mayfield made a triumphant return in his 100th career start, directing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense that made an emphatic statement against one of the NFL’s best defenses.

Mayfield threw for 288 yards and four touchdown passes as the Buccaneers dominated the second half in a 40-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The NFC South-leading Buccaneers (8-6) trailed 17-10 late in the second quarter before scoring on six straight drives, including five in the second half.

“We came into halftime and said if the offense didn’t hurt ourselves we will be all right,” said Mayfield, who completed 22 of 27 passes. “The defense came out and stopped them, and the offensive line took over. It was a complementary football game.”

Wide receiver Mike Evans had a season-high 159 yards receiving and two scores, including the play that gave the Bucs the lead early in the third quarter. Mayfield eluded pressure and scrambled left before finding Evans for a 57-yard touchdown.

Evans, who recorded nine receptions, praised Mayfield’s performance, saying, “Baker did a great job, they forced him out to the left, and I ran with him. He threw a great ball to me.”

The Buccaneers showcased their offensive strength by surpassing 400 yards of total offense and achieving 150 yards rushing for the fourth consecutive game. They did not punt in 10 possessions against a Chargers defense that previously allowed a league-low 15.9 points per game.

With the victory, Mayfield reached 30 touchdown passes for the first time in his seven-year career, leveraging the momentum gained during his time with the Rams last season. “I have always had self-confidence,” said Mayfield. “There were ups and downs, but that’s just the journey of the NFL career.”

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 21 of 33 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, but his streak of 357 attempts without an interception came to an end during the third quarter. “It was pretty thorough—very thorough. Now we’re staring at that adversity, and it’s how we respond,” said Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Next, the Buccaneers will face Dallas, while the Chargers will host Denver on Thursday.