CHARGERS-BUCCANEERS ONE-LINERS

Chargers QB Philip Rivers threw a career-high four touchdowns and boosted his league-best passer rating with a 21-of-31 performance. Said Chargers LB Stephen Cooper, “It looked like 7-on-7. The wide receivers were doing a good job. The offensive line played great. They kept Philip protected. As long as they do that, Philip is going to sit back and pick any defense apart.” The first of Chargers TE Antonio Gates’ two touchdowns was the 50th of his career in 92 games, the quickest run to that total in the history of NFL tight ends. Sunday marked the third straight bad performance by the Buccaneers defense, which coincides with the the first mention of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s potential (now confirmed) departure. Chargers K Nate Kaeding’s 57-yard field goal is the longest in the history of the franchise. QB Jeff Garcia threw one touchdown and ran for another, but his two interceptions were turned into 10 points the Buccaneers couldn’t overcome. Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant had six catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. With the Chargers up 27-24, RB Darren Sproles returned a punt 43 yards into Tampa territory and, three plays later, took a screen pass 42 yards for a touchdown. A strong play by Chargers CB Quentin Jammer set up CB Antoine Cason for a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown. Said CB Phillip Buchanon after the loss put the Buccaneers on the brink of missing the playoffs, “I wouldn’t have believed it. Because of the leadership on this club, I never would have believed that ... not this team.”