GAME PLAN: To win in December and January, you have to be able to run the football and stop the run.

Tampa Bay is struggling to do either. The defense has surrendered more than 350 yards rushing in the past two weeks, both losses at Carolina and at Atlanta.

Offensively, the Bucs sorely miss RB Earnest Graham. Tailback Warrick Dunn isn't getting enough carries and RB Cadillac Williams is not the same player as he was before the injury.

"Philip Rivers, I think he's leading the league in completion percentage right now," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He's got a great arm, and Coach (Norv) Turner is putting him in great positions to win. He's got great receivers in (Chris) Chambers, Vincent Jackson, and then when you're talking about (RB LaDainian Tomlinson), you're talking about one of the best backs all-around in the league. They're very explosive when they want to be. They love to run the ball to set the play-action, and we have to stop the run first and foremost, because we know that's what they're going to do."

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Chargers G Kris Dielman vs. Bucs DT Chris Hovan -- Dielman is headed to the Pro Bowl and will try to open holes for LaDainian Tomlinson. Hovan missed last week's game at Atlanta with a knee sprain.

Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie vs. Bucs WR Antonio Bryant: The Bucs leading receiver produced more than 300 yards receiving and three touchdowns in the past two games. Cromartie is a ball hawk who had two interceptions against Denver in Week 2.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Bucs MLB Barrett Ruud: The Bucs had done a decent job shutting down elite running backs until the past two games. Ruud, the team's leading tackler, needs to get going again.

INJURY IMPACT:

-- QB Jeff Garcia (calf) remains uncertain, but coach Jon Gruden said on Friday that he expects Garcia to be healthy enough to play Sunday.

--QB Brian Griese also is preparing to start Sunday against the Chargers in case Jeff Garcia is unable to go.

--DT Jovan Haye (knee), who was limited to about a half-dozen plays in Sunday's game at Atlanta, participated fully in practice Thursday.

--DT Chris Hovan, (knee) who did not play at Atlanta Sunday, participated fully in practice Thursday.

--G Jeremy Zuttah (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.

--LB Derrick Brooks (ribs) was limited in practice Thursday but is expected to play Sunday against the Chargers.