With the Eagles' loss to the Giants on Thursday night, this game is for first place in the NFC! Both the Bucs and 49ers sit at 4-1, overcoming significant injuries to get here. Here’s what each team needs to do to secure a big win.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense: The Bucs offense found their rhythm against the Seahawks last Sunday. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard dialed up a variety of screen passes, took deep shots when available, and found a running game during the final drive, which helped kill the clock and set up the game-winning field goal.
Can they replicate that success against the 49ers this week? I think so. The Seahawks have a stronger defense than the 49ers. The Bucs should find more success running the ball against this defense. If Grizz can stick to the mantra of “Throw early, so you can run late,” they should keep San Francisco off balance and put up some solid points.
Bucs on Defense: Kyle Shanahan is a coach that Todd Bowles hasn’t quite figured out yet. Since Bowles joined the Bucs as Defensive Coordinator in 2019, Tampa Bay hasn’t beaten the 49ers.
We can’t rely solely on blitzing to get the job done this week. Shanahan and quarterback Mac Jones will be ready for that. Can Yaya Diaby and/or Haason Reddick step up? Sir Vocea Dennis needs to play smart; Shanahan used to exploit Devin White’s undisciplined moments in the past. Dennis must be where he’s supposed to be.
49ers WIN IF…
49ers on Offense: Shanahan can design a running game against our tough run defense, but my biggest concern is Mac Jones picking us apart over the middle. We can bring all the blitzes we want, but Jones will hold the ball until the last second to deliver a completion. He’s the type of quarterback that can exploit Bowles’ defense, similar to Kirk Cousins. He’ll be patient and knows someone will eventually find space in our soft zones. He’s willing to take that hit to get the pass off.
While our defense did a good job containing Christian McCaffrey last year, he has hurt us too many times in the past. Last year, he was not at full health when he played against us. Plus, it doesn’t help that George Kittle might be back from injury this week.
49ers on Defense: Not having Nick Bosa on the field is a relief for the Bucs, but the 49ers still have plenty of weapons on their defensive front. Linebacker Fred Warner is always a challenge for the Bucs. His speed and anticipation are second to none.
Can Renardo Green slow down rookie sensation, Emeka Egbuka? It will help them now that Chris Godwin, Jr. will be out for this week. And can rookie, Mykel Williams provide some pressure on Baker Mayfield. That may be the difference.
FINAL WORD: The Bucs get the advantage of having their opponent travel cross-country this week. Let’s hope we can capitalize on that!
PREDICTION: Bucs win 27-20 (4-1 in Bucs predictions)
No Godwin or Evans makes it a little like 2024 except we have Egbuka
Shepard is playing better and Tez is on the team now so the the Bucs have options on offense.
Contain McCaffrey and Bourne and the 49ers offense sputters. They will try to inject Tonga into the passing game but this is where he can be neutralized by Parrish.
Bucs front seven has to really step it up. Diaby, Reddick and Dennis need to take their respective games up a notch.
If the 49ers are able to run the ball for decent change it will be hard to beat their play action and motion.
Bucs defenders need to anticipate where the motion players are going, and make the tackles. And cover anyone coming out of the backfield, don't let them loose for 15-20 yards. Need to pressure Mac Jones and make him think faster and make mistakes.
CMac leads the NFC in passes from the RB position (Bucky is second behind him). Our problem isn’t scheme, it’s SVD & LVD in coverage. That has been a weakness dating back to last season, it’s only gotten worse.Bucs defenders need to anticipate where the motion players are going, and make the tackles. And cover anyone coming out of the backfield, don't let them loose for 15-20 yards. Need to pressure Mac Jones and make him think faster and make mistakes.
Can we scheme around that weakness if that’s where they have been attacking all year? Doubt it. We can slow other aspects, and if we were ever in a position to leverage pressure from Hassan Reddick and Yaya, this would be the game to do it.
Otherwise, it’s going to be another shootout.
if Baker keeps playing like an MVP, we have a chance in any game
Not having Bucky, Evans, Godwin, McMillian, or Goedeke in the game make it a tough ask.
Luckily the 49ers are also banged up. Our secondary being depleted is worrisome, will need another 30 burger to win the game.
49ers are arguably the only team more banged up than us and they gotta travel across the country.
I like our odds BUT shanahan usually has his way with Bowles
I like our odds BUT shanahan usually has his way with Bowles
Agreed. Let's be clear, Shanahan usually has his way with every coach.
Which begs the question, would you rather grab eternity once in a while (win a super bowl), or, would you rather be in the mix every year but never close the door.
Yes, but Shanahan’s offense is built off quick-passes to CMac into the flat - right into our defenses weakest point - ILB’s that can’t cover.49ers are arguably the only team more banged up than us and they gotta travel across the country.
I like our odds BUT shanahan usually has his way with Bowles
Yeah, agree they’re beat up, but the 49ers are going to be very tough for us.
CG & Bucky being out complicates our ability to offset this offensively, but we still have a strengthening offensive line, as well as offensive weapons, like Mayfield, Egbuka, White, Otten, Shep, & Tez.
Its why I think it’s going to come down to the team that can score in a shootout - and the one who makes the fewest mistakes/turnovers.
Still like our chances, more.
Yes, but Shanahan’s offense is built off quick-passes to CMac into the flat - right into our defenses weakest point - ILB’s that can’t cover.49ers are arguably the only team more banged up than us and they gotta travel across the country.
I like our odds BUT shanahan usually has his way with Bowles
Yeah, agree they’re beat up, but the 49ers are going to be very tough for us.
CG & Bucky being out complicates our ability to offset this offensively, but we still have a strengthening offensive line, as well as offensive weapons, like Mayfield, Egbuka, White, Otten, Shep, & Tez.
Its why I think it’s going to come down to the team that can score in a shootout - and the one who makes the fewest mistakes/turnovers.
Still like our chances, more.
Oddly I feel more confident when we're on the road... I think we won this one 27-24 type game. I'm hoping Bowles doesn't zig when he should zag and go blitz happy against a quick pass offense.
I'm hoping Bowles doesn't zig when he should zag and go blitz happy against a quick pass offense.
so more of the Seattle game defense? Rush 4, bend dont break?
Win or lose, were getting close to the point where I just want to see no one get injured. Were getting banged by injuries every week and with how easy the schedule gets, not losing another key starter is kinda my biggest wish for this week.
Win or lose, were getting close to the point where I just want to see no one get injured. Were getting banged by injuries every week and with how easy the schedule gets, not losing another key starter is kinda my biggest wish for this week.
amen its been pretty crazy
Put injuries aside in the Hospital Bowl for a second. We have Tristan Wirfs and Vita Vea 100% healthy. We can run the ball as well as stop the run for the most part. We can score 30 once again. While we're focusing no McCaffrey it could be a big day for Jennings or Bourne. After last week I don't have a lot of confidence in the defense, but I'll say the Bucs pull out another one in a high scoring affair. 34 to 31 Bucs over the Niners.
Put injuries aside in the Hospital Bowl for a second. We have Tristan Wirfs and Vita Vea 100% healthy. We can run the ball as well as stop the run for the most part. We can score 30 once again. While we're focusing no McCaffrey it could be a big day for Jennings or Bourne. After last week I don't have a lot of confidence in the defense, but I'll say the Bucs pull out another one in a high scoring affair. 34 to 31 Bucs over the Niners.
Is Jennings even gonna play? He's been hurt all season.... I know this bc hes been on my damn bench the whole year.
