The San Francisco 49ers opened up the second half of the season with familiar faces back in the lineup for the red and gold. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles tendonitis - missed eight games), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip - missed two games), and kicker Jake Moody (high ankle sprain - missed three games) were all active for Sunday morning's showdown and provided a nice boost for the team in their first game back from the Bye. Their 23-20 victory gets them up above .500 on the year.
Here are five takeaways from the 49ers vs. Buccaneers game:
The Return of RB Christian McCaffrey
Head coach Kyle Shanahan wasted no time getting McCaffrey back in the action, calling his star running back's number on the first play of the game. McCaffrey's first carry was good for five yards and was just the beginning of a very productive day for the reigning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He racked up 13 carries for 39 yards and hauled in six catches for 68 yards. McCaffrey was not on a snap count for this contest, but the team did employ some load management of McCaffrey going up against the Bucs. Third-year Jordan Mason, Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo helped break up the carries throughout the game when McCaffrey was subbed out periodically.
WR Ricky Pearsall Nabs His First-Career Touchdown
In his third game back from the Non-Football Injury list, rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall found the end zone for the first time in his professional career. On San Francisco's second offensive series, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Pearsall on a crossing route near Tampa Bay's 30 yard line. Pearsall turned on the wheels to take it the rest of the way and dove past the goal line with a Buccaneers defender on his heels for the score. His touchdown gave the 49ers the 7-0 advantage with four minutes left in the first quarter.
Stingy First Half Defense in Tampa Bay
The 49ers defense stifled the Buccaneers early, holding Tampa Bay to a single field goal in the first half of the game. The Bucs have averaged 127 rushing yards per game through the first nine games of the year and entered Week 10 with a top ten rushing attack. On Sunday, San Francisco's defense allowed just 37 yards on the ground in the first half. Defensive lineman Maliek Collins recorded the only sack through the first two quarters for a loss of one yard.
Special Teams Breakdown
The 49ers kicker Jake Moody was back after a three-game hiatus due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. Moody had three scoring opportunities in the first half, nailing his extra point attempt and 28-yard field goal. In the second half, he opened up with a 33 yard field goal, missed the next two attempts but sent the ball through the uprights on a 44-yarder to seal the game as time expired.
Purdy Executes Efficient Final Drive
The outcome of this game all came down to the final 41 seconds. Purdy was a precision passer in the team's final offensive possession, going four-for-four for 39 yards to help the lead San Francisco into field goal range. His two targets in the final drive were Jennings and Pearsall, and when it as all said and done, the offensive unit got Moody and the special teamers in position for a 44-yard field goal attempt. Moody delivered the kick and the win for the 49ers at the end of regulation.
