What Is At Stake?
Once again, we are previewing a game that has significant playoff implications. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head West to take on the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC showdown. Both clubs are on top of their perspective divisions at the moment. Tampa Bay has to win their final five games of the season, which will likely award them the division crown for the second-straight season. They inched closer to their goal after defeating division rival the New Orleans Saints 17-16. As for San Francisco, a win this Sunday against Tampa adds another victory to the win column and increases their lead in the NFC West. They only lead their division by one game over the Seattle Seahawks.
Why the 49ers Will Win
Do you know what frustrates Tom Brady and causes him to break tablets? Factors such as pressure up the middle and secondaries that can rattle his weapons in the passing game. Well, guess what? The 49ers’ defense contains those elements. Their unit is ranked number one in total defense (283.9), points allowed (15.8), and number one at defending the run (75.8).
With the way that the Bucs’ offense has been struggling this season, this is a game with Brady being under duress written all over it. As for the Niners’ offense, how will Tampa Bay account for all those weapons? Deebo Samuel can explode for a massive gain at any given time. George Kittle is a mismatch nightmare for an opposing defense to deal with.
Even if RB Christian McCaffrey cannot play this week, Kyle Shanahan will insert another back in his place, and the train will continue to roll. The only way Tampa Bay can slow down the juggernaut is by making Brock Purdy perform like an actual seventh-round pick. The former Iowa State Cyclone performed exceptionally well after stepping in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Against the Dolphins, he threw for 210 yards, completed 25 of 37 passes, and two TDs.
Why the Buccaneers Will Win
Where would the Bucs be without the greatness of Tom Brady? Without his presence under center, Tampa Bay would not be in control of the NFC South. The 49ers’ defense is excellent, but the Bucs group is not too far off. They are ranked fifth in points allowed (18.3) and eighth in total defense (313.3). With the way that Shanahan deploys his running backs, the Buccaneers have the right personnel to slow them down. Linebackers Devon White and Lavonte David are two of the fastest linebackers in the game. They have been known to rattle all-purpose backs like Alvin Kamara and McCaffrey in previous matchups. In regards to offensive production, everything begins and ends with Tom Brady, plain and simple. The future Hall of Fame QB recorded his 44th fourth-quarter comeback when the team rallied from being down 13 points to the New Orleans Saints. If the defense does their jobs and the ball is in Brady’s hands last, Tampa Bay will have a shot.
What Will Happen
The team that can force turnovers and control time of possession with their offense will win this game. With that being said, the 49ers will advance to 10-4 on the season. Tampa Bay’s injuries to their o-line line and their regression on offense will be the driving causes for losing to San Francisco. It’s going to be difficult for Brady to deal with San Francisco’s vaunted pass rush led by Nick Bosa. The Niners win by six.
Buccaneers 21
49ers 27
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