CB Lonard Johnson's touchdown return of a Philip Rivers interception was a game-breaking play in the Bucs' 34-24 win Sunday. (US Presswire)

The Buccaneers are above .500 at 5-4 and could be a serious playoff contender in the first season of the Greg Schiano era after Sunday's 34-24 win over San Diego.

Offense: B+

An initial glance at the numbers doesn't look too inspiring. Only 12 first downs and 279 total yards doesn't seem like much. But Tampa Bay needed only 43 plays to register those numbers (indeed, its 6.5 yards per play average is quite strong), and the offense scored on four of its seven true drives (taking away a possession at the end of the first half when the Bucs simply took a knee). This wasn't the explosive offense of recent weeks, but it did its job. Last game's grade: A

Defense: C

At this point, we know what Tampa Bay's defense will do: stop the run (only 103 rushing yards allowed on 26 attempts) and struggle against the pass (337 yards and three touchdowns for Chargers QB Philip Rivers). To say the Bucs lack quality cornerback play, a problem made worse by injuries and a lack of depth at the spot, would be the understatement of the season. But give the defense credit for coming up with the game-breaking play: rookie Leonard Johnson's 83-yard touchdown return of a Rivers interception. Last game's grade: C

Special teams: A

No weaknesses to speak of here. K Connor Barth made both of his field goals, and P Michael Koenen pinned the Chargers back against their own goal line with one kick and had a 52-yarder on another. The punt coverage unit had one of the plays of the day, with Dekoda Watson blocking a punt by San Diego's Mike Scifres and Adam Hayward returning it for a score. Last game's grade: B

Coaching: A

The mark of good coaching is an all-around team effort. This certainly qualifies, as Tampa Bay got touchdowns from its offense, its defense and its special teams in the win. Schiano and his staff haven't been perfect by any stretch, but this is a team that is clearly a threat to win every game thanks to its skill on offense and its tenacity in every phase of play. Last game's grade: B

For more from Tampa Bay Bucs blogger Patrick Southern, follow @CBSBucs on Twitter.