INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — By the time Justin Herbert threw his first interception in exactly three months late in the third quarter, the Los Angeles Chargers' second half against Tampa Bay was already unraveling into a nightmare.
The Chargers never woke up from it in the Buccaneers' 40-17 victory Sunday. Los Angeles was left reeling after a day that began encouragingly, but fell apart spectacularly down the stretch — just like a few of their seasons have gone in recent years.
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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) rolls out during the first half an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal, left, is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
“You go through a game like this, and it’s tough,” Herbert said. “We got beat badly, and we have to do everything we can to learn from it and not let this one affect our next one.”
After leading 17-13 at halftime, the Chargers (8-6) hit the lowest point of their largely encouraging first season under coach Jim Harbaugh with their third loss in four games. Los Angeles was shredded after halftime by Baker Mayfield and the Bucs, who scored the final 30 points in this showdown between ostensible playoff contenders.
The NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense gave up season highs of 40 points and 506 yards to Tampa Bay. Mayfield chopped up the Bolts’ secondary for 288 yards and four TDs, while Tampa Bay’s running game was similarly ruthless, piling up 223 yards on 39 carries. The Bucs scored on eight of their first 10 possessions and never had to punt.
The Chargers hadn't been slapped around like that all season long.
“I feel like we didn’t get it done today on defense,” safety Derwin James said. “They punched us in the mouth, and we didn’t stop the run and the pass, or really anything. We didn’t stop anything today. ... We just need to clean it up on our end as a secondary. I feel like this was one of our worst games as a secondary, completely.”
Los Angeles gave up more than 500 total yards and 200 yards rushing in a game for only the seventh time in franchise history. It happened for the third time in the past four seasons, including a game against Mayfield and his Cleveland Browns in 2021 — although the Bolts won that shootout 47-42.
“When a team rushes for 200 yards on you, that’s something that doesn’t sit right with me,” Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack said. "It’s just frustrating."
The effort was profoundly out of character for Chargers coordinator Jesse Minter's defense, which has been steadily effective all season long. Los Angeles held its first nine opponents this season to 20 points or fewer, but three of its past five foes have scored at least 30 points.
“They’ve played almost perfectly all year, and it’s tough,” Herbert said of his defense.
Herbert’s offense did no better, managing only 64 yards after halftime and failing to score in the final 37 minutes. The running game was ineffective without injured J.K. Dobbins, while Herbert — who is hobbling on an injured ankle — appeared to feel the difficulties of passing the ball effectively with no elite playmakers at the Bolts' skill positions.
The end of Herbert's interception-free streak was yet another indignity.
Los Angeles trailed only 23-17 in the third quarter when Herbert dropped into a collapsing pocket near the Chargers' goal line and heaved a long pass off his back foot. Tampa Bay's Jamel Dean came down with it when receiver Quentin Johnston fell while trying to track the overthrown ball.
The interception ended Herbert's clean streak at 357 pass attempts — the fifth longest in NFL history.
“You play quarterback without fear, and I’m going to take my shots," Herbert said. “I’m going to throw the ball downfield, and I’ve got to be smart about it and understand that maybe a throwaway is better in that situation. You can’t take out the aggressive mentality of throwing the ball downfield, especially to one of your playmakers. But I’ve got to do a better job there.”
Herbert and his teammates all spoke about the importance of forgetting this game quickly. That's because the Denver Broncos (9-5) will be at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night for a pivotal game in both teams' playoff quests.
Los Angeles won 23-17 at Denver in October, taking a 23-point lead into the fourth quarter before hanging on with a tenacity the Chargers couldn't muster against Tampa Bay.
“Next week is a must-win game, the most important game of our season,” James said. “I can't wait to get ready and prepare for it. Just wasn't our day today.”
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) rolls out during the first half an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal, left, is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — 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 and directed 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."
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.
On second-and-13 at their own 43-yard line, Mayfield eluded pressure and scrambled left before finding Evans for a 57-yard touchdown to give Tampa Bay a 20-17 lead with 10:23 remaining in the third quarter.
Evans lined up as the outside receiver on the right side of the formation, before running across the field. He caught the ball at the Chargers 35, shook off an attempted shoulder tackle from rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still and kept his balance near the sideline before scoring.
“Baker did a great job, they forced him out to the left and I ran with him,” said Evans, who had nine receptions. “With scrambling quarterbacks, you have to run and get in their vision. He threw a great ball to me, stayed on the sideline and made a play.”
Evans also hauled in a 35-yard pass late in the third quarter to extend the lead to 30-17. It was the veteran wide receiver's 14th game with at least 150 yards receiving, second most among active players. Miami’s Tyreek Hill leads with 16.
Rachaad White's 11-yard reception on a screen pass made it 37-17 midway through the fourth quarter.
Mayfield reached 30 TD passes for the first time in his seven-year career in the stadium where he experienced a bit of a career resurrection. Mayfield played the final five games of the 2022 season for the Rams and directed them to two wins, including a comeback victory over Las Vegas two days after being signed.
Mayfield parlayed that into signing with the Buccaneers in March 2023.
“I have always had self confidence,” Mayfield said just steps from the Rams' locker room at SoFi Stadium. “There were ups and downs, but that's just the journey of the NFL career. I just wanted to get in the right spot and Tampa Bay has been that for me from the jump.”
Tampa Bay surpassed 400 yards of total offense and at least 150 yards rushing for the fourth straight game. The Buccaneers did not punt in 10 possessions against a Los Angeles defense that had surrendered a league-low 15.9 points through 12 games.
Tampa Bay outgained the Chargers 506-206, including a 223-32 edge in yards rushing.
“I can only imagine for a defensive coordinator what it is like to scheme against us with the personnel changes and we have a lot of plays off plays in the same formation. It’s tough to defend that,” Mayfield said.
Rookie Bucky Irving rushed for 117 yards, including a 54-yard carry off right guard during the third quarter to set up the second of Chase McLaughlin's four field goals.
“That’s huge. It’s December football, you know," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "We’re trying to stop the run, and we’re trying to run the football. Today, we did a good job.”
Los Angeles (8-6) remains in a playoff spot, but has dropped three of four and suffered the worst loss in Jim Harbaugh's first year as coach.
Justin Herbert completed 21 of 33 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He was picked off for the first time since Week 2 in the third quarter, snapping a streak of 357 attempts without a pick.
“It was pretty thorough. Very thorough. And now we’re staring at that adversity, and it’s (about) how we respond,” Harbaugh said. “All phases, just wasn’t good enough today.”
Both teams scored on their opening drives.
Mayfield connected with Jalen McMillan for a 26-yard touchdown. Los Angeles promptly answered with a 10-play drive, capped when Herbert rolled right and found Ladd McConkey for a 7-yard score.
The teams traded field goals before the Chargers took a 17-10 advantage midway through the second quarter on Quentin Johnston's eighth TD catch of the season.
Herbert's streak without an interception ended when he threw off his back foot on second-and-10 from the LA 10. The ball floated as Johnston tried to track it. Johnston went inside as the ball went outside, allowing Jamel Dean to come up with his first pick of the season at the Chargers 42.
“It is what it is. I always try to protect the ball and do my best to not put our team in harm’s way. Unfortunately that one got away from me,” said Herbert, whose 357 attempts without an interception is the fifth-longest streak in league history.
Chargers: CB Cam Hart suffered a concussion in the second quarter and didn't return. ... G Zion Johnson sustained an ankle injury in the third quarter.
Buccaneers: At Dallas next Sunday.
Chargers: Host Denver on Thursday.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal, left, is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) makes a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs near the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (15) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Stone Smartt (84) makes a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield walks off the field after a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
