Heading to Los Angeles, the Bucs had its toughest remaining challenge this season, facing the 8-5 Chargers. After trailing 17-10 in the second quarter, Tampa Bay completely flipped the script and dominated both sides of the ball, culminating in a 40-17 win.

The Bucs scored the final 30 points in the game and passed their biggest remaining test in the regular season. The win put them at 8-6 and extended their winning streak to four games. While it looked early on like it could have been a lengthier most disappointing list, it is admittedly shorter this week.

About the Second Quarter…

Bucs WR Mike Evans and Chargers CB Tarheeb Still – Photo by: USA Today

It was featured in last week’s Most Disappointing column.

It has been the weak point of the team this season.

It continued on Sunday afternoon.

Yes, I’m talking about the second quarter of Bucs games. From the first offensive play of the quarter, the struggles started. Baker Mayfield threw an interception that quickly led to a touchdown and gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead. Getting the ball back shortly after, Rachaad White fumbled on a third-and-1 to give Los Angeles the ball back around midfield.

These moments were microcosms of Tampa Bay losing the roll they get on to start games. Looking at Mayfield, his interceptions in the second quarter are nearly double his interceptions during the other three quarters.

C Graham Barton

The Bucs’ offensive line held its own against the Chargers’ pass rush, but Graham Barton was the weakest link upfront. Barton was called for offensive holding twice, with both eliminating big gains. The first holding penalty came in the first quarter, and it negated a 9-yard catch by Jalen McMillan.

In the third quarter, Baker Mayfield legged out a 17-yard scramble, but the rookie center was again called for holding. He has played a mostly mistake-free year and has been promising, so hopefully he learns from this one and plays stronger ball to close out his first NFL season.

DB Tykee Smith

Tykee Smith has had an impressive rookie season. If not for Bucky Irving, Smith would be in the conversation for being the Bucs’ best rookie up to this point. He did not play as well facing former Georgia Bulldogs teammate Ladd McConkey.

The play that sticks out the most, though, came in the first half with Smith actually covering Quentin Johnston. He completely whiffed on the tackle that led to the Chargers taking the lead.

The defense played a lot better as a whole in the second half, but the do-it-all defensive back contributed little. He finished the game with just one total tackle and did not flash the kind of playmaking ability he has so regularly this season.