Bucs vs. Chargers
1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM (TV blackout)
Line/over-under: Bucs by 3, 47½
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 |
| Panthers Bucs 16, Panthers 10 1-0 |
at Giants Giants 41, Bucs 34 1-1 |
at Cowboys Cowboys 1 6, Bucs 10 1-2 |
Redskins Redskins 24, Bucs 22 1-3 |
Chiefs Bucs 38, Chiefs 10 2-3 |
Saints Saints 35, Bucs 28 2-4 |
at Vikings Bucs 36, Vikings 17 3-4 |
at Raiders Bucs 42, Raiders 32 4-4 |
Chargers 1 p.m. today |
at Panthers 1 p.m. Nov. 18, Ch. 13 |
Falcons 1 p.m. Nov. 25, Ch. 13 * |
at Broncos 4 p.m. Dec. 2, Ch. 13 |
Eagles 1 p.m. Dec. 9, Ch. 13 * |
at Saints 1 p.m. Dec. 16, Ch. 13 |
Rams 1 p.m. Dec. 23, Ch. 13 * |
at Falcons 1 p.m. Dec. 30, Ch. 13 |
The poll
Which of Doug Martin's feats impresses you most?
486 yards of offense in two games: 41 percent
Team-record 251 rushing yards against Oakland: 37 percent
Team-record four rushing TDs: 16 percent
First Buc with 130 or more rushing yards in consecutive games: 6 percent
Total: 686 votes
Inside the numbers
1-8 Record by the Bucs against the Chargers, including 0-5 at home.
123 Average rushing yards allowed by the Chargers over their past two games.
88.8 Receiving yards per game for the Bucs' Vincent Jackson, seventh in the league.
13 Interceptions by the Bucs this season, third in the league.
35.8 Percentage of third downs converted against the Bucs, ninth best in the league.
What they're saying
When the Bucs went a month between victories early this season, it appeared coach Greg Schiano's first season in Tampa Bay would be about taking baby steps. But that was then, this is now, and the Bucs have won three of their past four and look like a dangerous team entering the second half. This week, the Chargers visit. And I've got a hunch Vincent Jackson might be primed and poised to do some damage to his former team.
Don Banks Sports Illustrated
If the Chargers pry the ball from Bucs running back Doug Martin, consider it a major feat. Heck, to hear Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano, the referees may struggle to reclaim the ball from the protective rookie. "When he gets up, even handing the ball to the officials, it's always high and tight," he said. Be sure to watch Martin, the coach said, "if you ever want to see a guy who really takes care of the football every time he runs through the line of scrimmage."
Tom Krasovic U-T San Diego
The picks
Bucking history here. San Diego's 5-0 in Tampa since the Bucs were born in 1976. But the Bucs lead the league in scoring over the past four weeks. They've got the hottest back in Doug Martin, and Josh Freeman (11 TDs, one pick in the last four games) is coming alive. Boy, does that Vincent Jackson signing by GM Mark Dominik look good. Bucs, 30-26.
Peter King Sports Illustrated
Upset! I know Josh Freeman and Tampa have been hot, putting up 28-plus points in four consecutive games. And I know Bucs rookie RB Doug Martin went nuts against Oakland last week. But I like Diego's stout run D limiting Martin more than I like the Tee Bees' horrific secondary stopping Philip Rivers. Pick has a high bust potential, but I gotta listen to my gut when it grumbles.
Greg Cote Miami Herald
Loading...