(Photo: Athlon Sports)
NFC Game Of The Week
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
49ers (4-1):
With as many injuries as they’ve had, it’s understandable why so many people picked against them last Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams. Key guys such as Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and many others were sidelined. This is why coaches always preach about the next man stepping up—and that’s exactly what happened in Week 5. I have to say, I’ve been impressed with Mac Jones since he filled in for Brock Purdy. He almost looks like a completely different quarterback compared to the guy he was in New England with the Patriots. Y’all know I love a good music reference, so we could call this chapter of his young career “Return of the Mac,” word to Mark Morrison. I can confidently say the 49ers took all the disrespect last week personally and handled their business on the field in an overtime showdown against their division rival. I know I’ve given Kyle Shanahan a ton of flack over the years, but he’s not a bad coach. Even with many key players sidelined, he’s kept this group afloat. What makes their 4-1 start even more impressive is that they’re undefeated in the NFC West, which is why they’re sitting in first place as we speak. What do I always say? To win your division, you must handle business within the division—and they’ve done just that so far. This Sunday, they’ll make their way to Tampa Bay to face the leaders of the NFC South.
Buccaneers (4-1):
If I’m being honest, erase that bad half of football they played against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 and they’d be undefeated at this point. But we can’t look at the “what ifs,” only the present—and right now, they’re playing some really good football. On Monday, I was asked what I liked about this team, and I mentioned their mental fortitude—the way they fight and feel like they’re in every single game, no matter the circumstances. This is a solid unit, and it’s a testament to how they’re buying into the leaders of this team: Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield. Todd has taken full advantage of his second opportunity, and his players have bought into what he’s pitched to them. I can’t say enough about Baker—he’s matured so much as a football player, but most importantly, as a leader. Wherever he takes this team, his teammates follow. Their most recent game in Seattle told me a lot about them. Seattle is such a tough place to play, and I give all the credit in the world to the Buccaneers for matching them point for point. It ended up being the best game of Week 5, and once again, they escaped with another close victory. One thing I’ll always say: strong teams find a way. The Bucs are just that—a strong team with mental toughness, and they believe they belong at the contender’s table. This Sunday, they return home for a big NFC game.
49ers X-Factor: Ricky Pearsall
When the 49ers drafted him, that’s when I knew the days of Deebo Samuel wearing red and gold were numbered. Over a year later, here we are, and Ricky is a key piece of this San Francisco offense. With George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk likely sidelined for this game, Ricky’s role becomes even more critical. He’s a deep threat and the receiver who can help move the chains on third down. The key question: can the 49ers get him matchup advantages against Tampa’s secondary? I’d involve him in creative formations and motion plays.
Buccaneers X-Factor: Emeka Egbuka
I can confidently say he was my pick to win Offensive Rookie of the Year when I revealed my NFL award predictions on Instagram, and so far, he hasn’t disappointed! I watched him closely at Ohio State, and the same energy he brought to the Buckeyes offense is exactly what he’s bringing to Tampa. Without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Emeka has stepped up and become Baker’s top target. He can stretch the field and will create many problems for the San Francisco secondary on Sunday.
Final Thoughts:
What a game this should be, with two 4-1 teams ready to battle. These two met last season at Raymond James Stadium, and San Francisco escaped with a three-point victory. Here are my keys for the 49ers if they want to leave Tampa with another win: Their offense thrives when they establish the running game, so expect a heavy dose of Christian McCaffrey to get his touches and keep the Tampa pass rush honest, get Pearsall the ball early and often. He’s the primary receiver on the perimeter or in the slot. Use motion, screens, and intermediate routes to stretch Tampa’s secondary and Baker Mayfield has had too clean a uniform for my liking—this defense must be on it. Saleh will draw up many different blitzes and looks to throw Baker off his spot. For the Bucs: They can’t be one-dimensional because that’ll play right into the 49ers’ hands. I’d mix up the run to throw off the Niners linebackers, then attack with the passing game, protect Baker at all costs and give him time to throw. Rollouts, quick passes, and screens will help neutralize the San Francisco defensive front and exploit mismatches with Emeka Egbuka and create one-on-one opportunities, especially over the middle. This should be a battle all the way to the fourth quarter. I’m picking Tampa to win another big game.
Prediction:
