This week, the Buccaneers (6-5) are out on the West Coast for a 4:25 matchup with the San Diego Chargers (5-6). Here, we preview the matchup and tell you where to watch and listen to it.
It’s an exciting time in Tampa Bay, as the Buccaneers have won three straight and sit above the .500 mark at the start of December. First-year head coach Dirk Koetter has his team one game back of first place in the NFC South and one-half game back of a wild card spot. With a win on Sunday, Tampa Bay will head into the final quarter of the season with a 7-5 record and a real shot at its first postseason berth since 2007.
Last Sunday, the Bucs picked up their biggest win in years. Jameis Winston and Mike Evans connected for two early touchdowns, which proved to be plenty. The defense racked up six sacks and three turnovers, while holding the Seahawks to just three offensive points in the 14-5 win.
The Chargers came away with a win last week as well, beating the Texans on the road. San Diego was outgained 353-302, but Philip Rivers threw for three touchdowns in the 21-13 victory. Rivers and company are currently at the bottom of the AFC West, but they are not easy to beat. All six of the team’s losses this season have been one-possession games.
Injury-wise, the Bucs are in good shape. Only Evan Smith (knee) and Chris Conte (chest) are officially ruled out, while Gerald McCoy (foot), Brandon Myers (hip), Jacquizz Rodgers (foot) and Ryan Smith (shoulder) are questionable. McCoy has said he expects to play, and Rodgers was a full participant in practice all week. The Chargers have a pretty long list of questionable players, including wide receiver Tyrell Williams (shoulder). Linebackers Jatavis Brown (knee) and Jerry Attaochu (foot) are out, as is starting cornerback Brandon Flowers (concussion).
These two teams last met in week 10 of the 2012 season. The Bucs came away with the victory, winning by a score of 34-24. Josh Freeman threw for two touchdowns, Leonard Johnson came up with an 83-yard pick six and Adam Hayward returned a blocked punt 29 yards for a touchdown in a complete team win. Overall, the Bucs are 2-8 against the Chargers, including a 1-3 road mark. But, San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium will always be special to Tampa Bay. Back in January of 2003, the stadium played host to the Bucs’ Super Bowl XXXVII victory over the Raiders.
Where to Watch
Sunday’s game will be shown on Fox, with Sam Rosen on play-by-play and David Diehl on color commentary. Holly Sonders will have reports from the sideline.
Where to Listen
In the Tampa Bay area, the game can be heard on 103.5 FM or 620 AM. The legendary Gene Deckerhoff will have the play-by-play, while former Buc Dave Moore takes the commentary. T.J. Rives will provide in-game sideline reports. For more radio options around the state of Florida, check here. Buccaneers.com and the Buccaneers mobile app will also carry the radio broadcast.
Satellite radio subscribers can listen to the Tampa Bay broadcast on Sirius 145. San Diego’s broadcast will be on Sirius 81.
Next: Buccaneers at Chargers: Five Game-Changing Players
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