Bucs vs 49ers, let’s talk about it.

Football is a game of inches, but it’s also a game of quarters. Let’s dive into a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of some Tampa Bay Bucs’ football. Tampa Bay returned home to Raymond James Stadium in week 10, welcoming in Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers.

First Quarter:

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense entered week 10 with a rejuvenated vigor. Coming off of a bye week and getting the jolt of a Christian McCaffrey return to action— The 49ers got the ball first. Tampa Bay’s defense was up for the challenge, forcing an opening-drive punt.

The Bucs’ first time on offense did highlight Baker Mayfield finding Cade Otton, who has been in the midst of a career stretch (three consecutive games of 8+ catches) for a third down conversion but ultimately would match San Francisco— punt for punt.

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

In Brock Purdy’s second opportunity, his offense began to move. Purdy spread the ball and ultimately handed Ricky Pearsall his first career touchdown grab. For Bucs’ fans hoping Tampa’s offense would respond, they would— with another punt.

Second Quarter:

With a drive that concluded the game’s introductory quarter, San Francisco took a 10-point lead as the second period hit 8:53. Down 10, Tampa Bay was able to hold the ball for more than seven minutes and get themselves a field goal. Chase McLaughlin’s three points did, however, come at a cost. Tampa Bay’s all-world left tackle, Tristan Wirfs, limped off the field to add himself to Tampa’s excessively long list of injuries.

Third Quarter:

Tampa Bay would start the second half with the ball but, they wouldn’t have it long. Trenton Gill’s punt would turn into one of Tampa’s biggest plays of the game— A high-IQ effort play by Tavierre Thomas. Thomas pushed his blocker into the catch radius forcing a muffed punt which was recovered by Anthony Nelson. The Bucs’ offense, with a second chance at points, converted as Liam Coen leaned on his talented backfield. After three-straight Bucky Irving runs, Baker Mayfield found Rachaad White for a catch-and-run touchdown. 10-10, tie.

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

After Missing a field goal to wrap up the first half Jake Moody would score the final points of quarter number three, giving the 49ers a 13-10 lead.

Fourth Quarter:

The game’s final 15 minutes began with a new Tampa Bay Bucs’ fan favorite. Bucky Irving, who incited “Bucky! Bucky!” chants from the home crowd earlier in the day, picked up a third down and on his next carry crossed the goal line. 17-13, Bucs.

On the 49ers’ ensuing drive, Jake Moody’s up and down day would continue. Despite showing off more poor tackling, Tampa’s defense would get off the field with zero points allowed following another Jake Moody missed kick. The miss gifted Tampa Bay’s offense fantastic field position, an advantage Tampa could not capitalize on— quickly punting.

Perhaps sick of their kicker’s ineffective play, the 49ers decided they would take scoring out of his hands. Post Tampa Bay’s punt, Brock Purdy big-brothered the Bucs’ pass rush, tossed a touchdown to George Kittle, took back the lead, and potentially took Todd Bowles’ job. In a game where his defense came away with a positive outing on the scoreboard, it never actually felt like the unit was playing well. That theme continued when a third missed kick by Jake Moody gave the Bucs more life. Baker Mayfield took that life treated Bucs’ fans to his second heroic two-minute drill (to tie the game) in as many weeks.

Todd Bowles’ defense, with the game on the line, surprised nobody. Against the 2024 Bucs, if you need seven points you can take your touchdown. If you need three, line up for your field goal. The 49ers walked into field goal range and ended the game. Bucs lose, Todd Bowles flounders, and fans are left with questions.

Noteworthy performers:

Bucky Irving – 84 total yards, TD

Rachaad White – 70 total yards, Team-leading six catches

Jordan Whitehead – 9 tackles (led team)

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