TAMPA, Fla. – All 4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wins have are available in last-minute, come-from-behind style.
The 49ers, this Sunday’s guests, know all about closing time, too. They’ve emerged with an identical 4-1 report in weekly one-score video games, together with final Thursday’s additional time escape from Los Angeles.
“If you look at what we just did, we’ve been in a similar situation,” 49ers cornerback Renardo Inexperienced stated. “I guess it’s going to be survival of the fittest.”
Final yr at Raymond James Stadium, the 49ers have been the final crew standing – or joyously sprinting off the sector, having gained on a walk-off area aim by Jake Moody.
At about 7:30 p.m. ET on this encore, the solar can have simply set right here, and Sunday’s final result absolutely could possibly be doubtful.
“The NFL is producing a really good product,” 49ers left deal with Trent Williams stated. “It’s stressful to play a four-quarter game and it comes down to the last play of the game, but I know fans love it.”
Listed here are 5 methods the 49ers can outscore Tampa Bay and enhance to 4-0 on the highway this season:
1. NO MAYFIELD MAGIC
Baker Mayfield is 0-for-4 in his profession towards the 49ers, together with losses every of the previous two seasons. However he’s garnering early-season MVP consideration.
“Baker Mayfield is a great player. He’s really emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL,” rookie defensive lineman Mykel Williams stated. “It’s always exciting when you get a chance to go against somebody like that.”
Whereas Williams has but to face him, linebacker Fred Warner is a four-time winner vs. Mayfield (2019 Browns, 2022 Panthers, 2023-24 Bucs). “He’s playing the position at the highest level I’ve seen him,” stated Warner, pointing to Mayfield’s decisiveness in throwing the ball.
Mayfield has thrown 10 touchdowns and had only one interception, which is yet another than the 49ers have intercepted all season; their NFL-record drought is 12 video games with out a choose going again to final season. “We’re just saying this is the week to go take one,” Inexperienced stated. “We’re going to have our opps and it’s up to us to capitalize on them.”
A matchup to observe: 49ers sack chief Bryce Huff vs. Bucs proper deal with Charlie Heck, who began for the 49ers in final season’s closing two video games.
2. FRED’S CHESS MATCH
Mayfield is properly conscious of Warner’s All-Professional capability because the 49ers’ defensive maestro and the one who should lead Sunday’s upset. “We have to know where (No.) 54 is and not let him ruin the game for us,” Mayfield stated.
Warner is 5 tackles from passing Patrick Willis (949) for essentially the most in 49ers’ historical past, and Warner 50 tackles this season rank third within the NFL behind Miami’s Jordyn Brooks (57) and Washington’s Bobby Wagner (56).
Mayfield admired the chess match Warner performed final sport with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose visible cues tried to throw off Warner’s monitoring sense. Warner has compelled two fumbles (recovered one), defended three passes, made two tackles for loss, and was on the epicenter of final Thursday’s game-ending fourth-down cease in Los Angeles.
3. MAXIMIZE McCAFFREY
OK, so Christian McCaffrey is averaging a paltry 3.1 yards per carry (91 for 282 yards), and he hasn’t scored a speeding landing in his previous 9 video games relationship again to final season’s four-game cameo.
“Obviously last year wasn’t the year I wanted, but I’ve moved on. I’ve been moved on,” McCaffrey stated. “I’m excited for this week.”
He’s nonetheless the 49ers’ best offensive weapon, as evident by his team-leading 39 receptions for 387 yards and three scores. “I haven’t seen anybody stop him. You hope to slow him down,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles stated Friday. “If you can limit the yards after the catch, those are the big things for him. He’s very tough to bring down in the open field.”
With Milpitas native Vita Vea anchoring the Bucs’ defensive entrance, opponents are averaging 92.4 speeding yards per carry, though it yielded a season-high 122 to Seattle final Sunday. The Bucs have yielded 4 speeding touchdowns (one in 4-of-5 video games).
McCaffrey, a NFC South rival when in Carolina from 2017-22, stays looking out for 14th-year linebacker Lavonte David. Stated McCaffrey: “I’m sick of him. No, he’s a hell of a player. He always brings a big challenge and always plays the game the right way. And he never gets enough credit.”
4. WING AND A PRAYER
Mac Jones is seeking to go 4-0 because the 49ers’ fill-in starter for Brock Purdy. Jones was too achy to throw in Thursday’s follow as he offers with indirect and knee accidents, plus a sore throwing arm final sport. Twin-threat choice Adrian Martinez, final yr’s UFL MVP, is one play away from the 49ers’ quarterback throne.
Jones’ mobility has by no means been his high asset, his fourth-and-1 conversions however. He ought to nonetheless discover success airing it out towards a Bucs protection low on cornerbacks. Zyon McCollum (thumb), Jamel Dean (hip) and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) are wounded. However who would they even defend?
Jauan Jennings is poised to return from a Sept. 28 rib damage, however Ricky Pearsall will miss his second straight sport with a proper knee damage. Kendrick Bourne is coming off a 10-catch blockbuster as he rekindled his Patriots previous with Jones.
5. BLANKET EGBUKA
Bucs rookie Emeka Egbuka is the primary participant in NFL historical past with a minimum of 25 receptions, 400 yards (445) and 5 landing catches by way of 5 profession video games.
“He’s powerful for such a young man,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh stated. “He has powerful hands and obviously he’s playing with a lot of confidence.”
Out for the Bucs are extensive receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula), in addition to operating again Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot). That’s why they’re properly leaning on Egbuka, though No. 2 again Rachaad White can be a hazard.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir says his preparation isn’t centered a lot on potential move catchers. “I don’t watch receivers. I study coordinators,” Lenoir stated. For the report: Josh Grizzard is prospering (with Mayfield’s assist) because the Bucs’ first-year offensive coordinator, following Liam Coen (2024), Dave Canales (2023) and Byron Leftwich (2019-22).
