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Buccaneers at 49ers: 3 things we learned

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi /
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What were some of the biggest takeaways from Sunday’s game between the Buccaneers and 49ers?

On Sunday, one of the late afternoon games saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers go head to head. Despite the 49ers going up, 14-0 after the first quarter, Tampa would finish the game on a 34-3 run to win, 34-17.

There were plenty of highlights in this game for the Bucs, but a fair share of lowlights for the Colin Kaepernick-led 49ers. It impacted division races and potentially set the tone for each respective franchise’s season. What were some of the main takeaways, though?

Bucs stay alive in NFC South

The NFC South has been a bit of a mess halfway through the 2016 season. Instead of the Super Bowl runner-ups, the Carolina Panthers, being at the top of the division, they sit in last at 1-5. The Saints have struggled and the Atlanta Falcons sit in first. The Bucs, steadily improving on last year’s record, are 3-3 and just one game behind the division leaders.

In two weeks, the Bucs and Falcons will go head to head, which could potentially close the gap in the NFC South. A win for Tampa would send them straight into the playoff race and give them their second win over Atlanta for the season. Given their offensive performance against San Francisco, things look bright for this team’s immediate future.

Jacquizz Rodgers breaks out

Bucs running back, Jacquizz Rodgers had the game of his life on Sunday night. He bolted for 154 yards on 26 carries in the win. The 2011 draft pick had been coming off a 101-yard game on 30 carries, but took off against a weak 49er defense.

Rodgers has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Doug Martin. He has over 300 yards and should be a steady source of production for however long Martin is out. The coaching staff should have enough confidence in him as a go-to guy so Jameis Winston doesn’t have to throw the football around 40 times over the coming weeks.

From bad to worse for the 49ers

Just two years ago, the 49ers seemed to be riding strong with head coach Jim Harbaugh. Once the executives pushed him out, the downfall of this franchise began. They’re now on their second head coach in Chip Kelly, who hasn’t done anything to instill confidence in the 2016 version of this team.

Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History

Ever since the 28-0 win over the Rams in Week 1, San Francisco has lost all but one game by 12 or more points. They aren’t coming close to defeating their opponents, which was the case again versus the Buccaneers. The defense allowed over 400 yards of offense to the likes of Mike Evans, Rodgers, and Winston, and had no answer for anything they did after the first quarter. The 49ers even had a 14-0 lead, but finished the game by allowing 34 points compared to their three. It’s an ugly way for the 49ers to go down in what has been a lost season.

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