Chargers vs. Buccaneers: Instant Grades, Analysis for San Diego

Current Score: 34-24 Buccaneers Final

The game between the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now underway. It is a matchup that features two 4-4 teams looking to get over .500. The Chargers will get to face their former receiver, Vincent Jackson, who will be hoping to have a huge day against his former team. 

We will be providing live game grades and updated analysis throughout the evening. Make sure to keep this live report card open and follow along throughout the Chargers' quest to win a rare game on the East Coast. 

Quarterback

Fourth Quarter Grade: F 

Classic Philip Rivers. Played incredibly well in the first half and the third quarter but the fourth quarter was a complete disaster. He started off the quarter by throwing one of the worst pick sixes in NFL history. He followed it up by throwing another pick as the Chargers watched the game fall away from them. 

Third Quarter Grade: A 

Rivers continues to have a heck of a game. He is slicing the Bucs defense up and is being extremely productive on third downs. 

Second Quarter Grade: A 

Rivers continues to have his best game of the year. He is killing the awful Bucs' pass defense and he continues to show that if his offensive line can provide him enough time to throw the ball then he will be extremely effective. 

First Quarter Grade: A

Rivers played nearly perfect in the first quarter. He completed passes down field and showed great accuracy on many passes. This is the Philip Rivers that Chargers fans have been waiting to see. 

Offense

Fourth Quarter Grade: D- 

The Chargers offense was incredibly disappointing in the fourth quarter.Philip Rivers made awful decisions as the Chargers were forced to play catch up. Against the terrible pass defense the Chargers and Rivers fell apart.  

Third Quarter Grade: A 

The offense was once again great in the third down. They are doing a great job at keeping their drives alive with third down conversions. Really impressive showing on something that they have struggled with all season. 

Second Quarter Grade: A 

The offense continued its impressive play in the second quarter moving the ball at will. The running game is picking up its play and Rivers is looking dominant. If the offensive line can continue to protect Philip Rivers then the offense should not have a problem scoring. 

First Quarter Grade: A 

The Chargers offense fired on all cylinders in the first quarter. The passing game is taking advantage of playing against the worst pass defense in the league. The running game is lackluster so far and they need to get it going in order to keep Doug Martin and the Bucs' offense off the field. 

Defense

Fourth Quarter Grade: B 

The Charger defense did their job in the fourth quarter. Following the pick-six by Rivers they locked down the Bucs offense holding them to just three points and giving the Chargers and the offense a shot to win the game. 

Third Quarter Grade: A- 

Although they gave up a touchdown in the third quarter the defense continued to look great. They have found a way to contain Doug Martin and get after Josh Freeman, forcing him to make quick decisions. 

Second Quarter Grade: A- 

The Chargers defense looked great in the second quarter. They slowed down the Bucs offense and continued to get enough pressure on Josh Freeman to keep him uneasy in the pocket. 

First Quarter Grade: C+ 

Following an awful first series from the Chargers defense they seemed to settle down. They were able to get a consistent pass rush on Josh Freeman, which slowed down the passing game. Doug Martin has been a beast so far and the Chargers need to find a way to slow him down.  

Special Teams

Fourth Quarter Grade: A 

The Chargers special teams played a mistake free fourth quarter, exactly what the Chargers need. 

Third Quarter Grade: A-

Mike Scrifes returned and made a decent kick, which is great for the Chargers. Losing him would be a huge blow. 

Second Quarter Grade: F 

Well, they made a mistake and it cost the Chargers seven points. The Chargers had a punt blocked and returned for a touchdown. Mike Scrifes got hurt on the play, which could prove to be more costly than just seven points.  

First Quarter Grade: A 

The Chargers have down well in kickoff coverage and have converted both extra points. No special team mistakes= exactly what the Chargers want. 

Coaching

Fourth Quarter Grade: C 

For once this loss was not on the shoulders of Norv Turner. Philip Rivers threw this game away and it was embarrassing to watch. Turner had his team ready to win and Rivers made poor decisions and the game was over. A loss is a loss and the Broncos have separated themselves from the Chargers making the playoffs looking less and  less likely. 

Third Quarter Grade: B+ 

The Chargers are driving and Norv is dialing up great play calls. The defense is containing one of the most dynamic running backs in the league. Great quarter. 

Second Quarter Grade: B+ 

The Chargers looked great on both sides of the ball in the second quarter. If the Buccaneers did not score their special teams touchdown the Chargers would have had nearly a perfect quarter. 

First Quarter Grade: A-

Norv Turner and company had a great first quarter. The offense looks fluid and the defense got two stops in a row to close the quarter. So far, so good.