The Bucs were double-digit underdogs heading into Levi’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon and while they hung in better than they did during their trip there last year, they ultimately did lose by double digits. Tampa Bay only trailed 13-7 at halftime, but San Francisco scored two straight touchdowns out of halftime and went on to win 27-14.

Tampa Bay’s defense took the field first and got a quick stop thanks to a third-down sack by Lavonte David. With that sack, David surpassed Ronde Barber (1,428) for the second-most tackles in franchise history. But the Buccaneer offense didn’t take advantage of that stop, going three-and-out before punting the ball away.

On their second drive, the 49ers did what the 49ers do. They killed a lot of clock and methodically worked their way down the field on the Bucs defense. Christian McCaffrey did a lot of the work and ultimately found the end zone first, catching a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The drive took 7:11 off the clock as San Francisco went 80 yards in 12 plays.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: USA Today

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense looked to respond well, driving down the field thanks to a heavy dose of the screen game featuring Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds. But the possession ended on a sour note, with Mayfield trying to do a little too much and ultimately coughing the ball up. Fred Warner and Nick Bosa were there to create the turnover and Clelin Ferrell recovered it.

The 49ers turned that takeaway into three points, with Jake Moody connecting on a 37-yard field goal to make it 10-0. It was a win for the Buccaneer defense, though, with a sack from rookie Yaya Diaby being the main reason for San Francisco having to settle.

Mayfield and the offense found their groove again on the ensuing drive, with some creativity from offensive coordinator Dave Canales helping them do so. Mayfield and rookie Trey Palmer connected for a 17-yard gain early in the series, then a 27-yard pass from Mayfield to Cade Otton — after a sack made it 2nd & 19 — got Tampa Bay in the red zone at the two-minute warning of the first half.

An end-around to Deven Thompkins went for 17 yards down to the 1-yard line after the break, then Mayfield found Mike Evans for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 10-7 with 1:48 left in the first half. That was Evans’ first catch of the game and just his second target, but the visiting Bucs were within three.

49ers QB Brock Purdy – Photo by: USA Today

The 49ers turned right around and threatened to score again just before the break. Their drive began with a 37-yard pass from Purdy to Brandon Aiyuk, but they ultimately stalled on third down and had to settle for a 28-yard Moody field goal. That made it a 13-7 advantage for the home team at halftime.

With a chance to take the lead on the first drive of the second half, the Bucs couldn’t get anything going. They got a good punt from Jake Camarda down to the 2-yard line, but it didn’t matter. Three plays later, Aiyuk beat Jamel Dean for a 76-yard touchdown to put San Francisco up 20-7.

The offense continued to stall from there and the 49ers took advantage. Busted coverage led to a 40-yard pickup for Deebo Samuel to spark the drive before Purdy eventually hit George Kittle for his third passing touchdown of the day.

The Bucs finally responded after that, with a 41-yard catch by Rakim Jarrett getting things going. Otton then drew a pass interference call near the goal line, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Rachaad White to get Tampa Bay within 27-14 with 14:16 left.

Todd Bowles’ defense did get a stop and put the offense in position to close the gap more. Mayfield got into a rhythm and put together a long drive, but it stalled at the 49ers’ 12-yard line with a turnover on downs at the 6:39 mark in the fourth quarter.

49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk and Bucs DB Dee Delaney – Photo by: USA Today

Another Diaby sack helped the Bucs force a quick three-and-out and Deven Thompkins returned the ensuing punt 51 yards to the 49ers’ 13-yard line, but a deflected Mayfield pass was intercepted in the end zone and that was what pretty much ended it.

Brock Purdy dominated the Bucs once again, completing 21 of his 25 passes (84%) for 333 yards and three touchdowns. In two career starts against Tampa Bay, he has completed 37 of his 46 passes (80.4%) for 518 yards and six total touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey ran for 78 yards on 21 carries while catching five passes for 25 yards and a touchdown, while Brandon Aiyuk did the most damage with five catches for 156 yards and a score.

Yaya Diaby tallied two sacks and Lavonte David added one, but the Buccaneer defense allowed 421 yards and 7.3 yards per play.

On the Tampa Bay offense, Baker Mayfield was 29-of-45 for 246 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Rachaad White ran for just 30 yards and a touchdown on nine carries and caught six passes for only 28 yards.

With the loss, the Bucs (4-6) dropped to a full game behind the Saints for the NFC South lead. They’ll be on the road once again next Sunday, taking on the Colts (5-5) in Indianapolis. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.