Herbert throws 4 TDs as Chargers roll past Buccaneers 40-20

Tampa, FL - Justin Herbert spread four touchdown passes among three receivers, and the Los Angeles Chargers gradually created separation before defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40-20 in Week 13.

Herbert completed 24 of 38 passes for a game-high 398 yards and finished with a 133.4 passer rating. Los Angeles amassed 497 offensive yards, recorded 21 first downs and extended its winning streak to three games after entering the matchup at 6-5.

The Chargers built their advantage through a passing game that kept producing downfield gains. Tampa Bay applied pressure in stretches and generated scoring production of its own, but Los Angeles continued to widen the margin on the way to its highest point total of the afternoon.

Quentin Johnston was Herbert’s most frequent target, catching nine passes for a game-high 123 yards and two touchdowns. Ladd McConkey added five receptions for 105 yards and a score, while Brenen Thompson turned two catches into 83 yards and another touchdown. Thompson’s 71-yard reception was the longest catch of the game.

That distribution gave Tampa Bay several productive receivers to account for throughout the contest. Johnston provided the steady volume, while McConkey and Thompson supplied explosive yardage on fewer opportunities. Together, the three receivers accounted for all four of Herbert’s touchdown passes.

"There were a lot of different guys involved, and that made the passing game feel balanced even when the numbers started to grow," Herbert said. "We kept looking for chances to move the ball, and the receivers did a great job turning their opportunities into production."

Los Angeles also received 88 rushing yards and a touchdown from Omarion Hampton, who carried a game-high 19 times. His longest run was nine yards, reflecting an afternoon built more on steady gains than one breakaway rush. The Chargers finished with 99 rushing yards as a team.

"The passing game was getting chunks, but I still wanted to be dependable every time they gave me the ball," Hampton said. "Nineteen carries is a good workload. You want to keep giving the offense positive plays and finish the day with points."

Tampa Bay generated 352 offensive yards but could not match Los Angeles’ pace. Baker Mayfield went 26 of 43 for 287 yards and two touchdowns, though he also threw an interception and finished with an 86.0 passer rating.

Cade Otton led the Buccaneers with eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Emeka Egbuka caught six passes for 95 yards and the other Tampa Bay score. On the ground, Bucky Irving recorded 48 yards on 14 carries as the Buccaneers finished with 65 rushing yards.

"We moved it at times, but 20 points wasn’t enough with the way they were producing," Mayfield said. "There were throws and possessions we would like to have back. The receiving group gave us chances; we just didn’t put together enough offense across the whole game."

The Chargers held several efficiency advantages in addition to their 145-yard edge in offensive production. Los Angeles converted 7 of 12 third downs and its only fourth-down attempt, while Tampa Bay went 6 of 15 on third down and 1 of 3 on fourth down.

Both teams scored on every red-zone visit. Los Angeles produced two touchdowns and two field goals across four trips inside the 20, while Tampa Bay came away with two touchdowns and one field goal on three trips.

On defense, Derwin James Jr. recorded the game’s only interception and returned it 47 yards. The Chargers also registered two sacks, including one by Khalil Mack. Tampa Bay finished with one sack and no interceptions.

The result continued the teams’ movement in opposite directions. Los Angeles arrived with consecutive victories and turned that run into a three-game winning streak. The Buccaneers entered on a two-game slide and have now dropped three straight.

Up Next

The Chargers will remain on the road in Week 14 when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Buccaneers will try to rebound away from home against the Baltimore Ravens.