News | Bucs
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Gameday
By JOANNE KORTH
Published December 12, 2004
[Times files]
The Bucs are back today at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, where they won Super Bowl XXXVII over the Oakland Raiders in 2003.
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SERIES HISTORY
San Diego leads 6-1.
LAST MEETING: In a game regarded as one of the turning points of the franchise, the Bucs rallied from a 14-0 deficit to win 25-17 Nov. 17, 1996, at San Diego. The Bucs put an end two negative streaks: a 12-game losing streak in West Coast games and an 0-6 mark against the Chargers.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS: The teams met in the first home game for the Bucs, a 23-0 loss on Sept. 19, 1976. ... In the 1996 Tampa Bay victory, quarterback Trent Dilfer was 30-for-40 for 327 yards. Rookie fullback Mike Alstott had a 4-yard touchdown run. Michael Husted kicked four field goals. Donnie Abraham and John Lynch had interceptions.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
BUCS: Running back Michael Pittman, a San Diego native, has 4.2 yards per carry, but faces the NFL's second-ranked run defense. The Chargers allow 78.7 yards per game. Linebacker Derrick Brooks, the NFC's defensive player of the week for his effort last weekend against the Falcons, will again need to spearhead the defense against the multifaceted Chargers attack.
CHARGERS: The Chargers have a balanced attack. Quarterback Drew Brees has thrown 21 touchdowns, tight end Antonio Gates has caught 11 and running back LaDainian Tomlinson has run for 13. Receiver Keenan McCardell, whose lengthy holdout with the Bucs resulted in a trade to San Diego, has 28 catches for 363 yards and one touchdown in six games.
[Last modified December 12, 2004, 00:55:00]
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Bucs at Chargers, 4:15 p.m.
