5 Burning Questions For Week 15

Dec 13, 2013 at 10:04 AM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

The 49ers travel to Tampa Bay to take on the 4-9 Buccaneers on Sunday. Six weeks ago, this game looked like a cakewalk as the Bucs sat with a record of 0-8. However, that has changed. Tampa Bay has begun to turn things around, winning 4 out of their last 5 games. The 49ers are still fighting for a playoff spot and can clinch one this week with a win coupled with a loss by Arizona and either Dallas or Philadelphia.

With that as the backdrop, let's take a look at 5 burning questions to which the answers will be key to the outcome of the game.

1) Is this a trap game? - This week has all the makings of a trap game for the 49ers. They are coming off a very emotional and physical win against their division rival, playing their only 10am start of the season, and taking on an opponent that has only 4 wins on the season. It could be very easy for a team to overlook this game.

So far this season the 49ers are 0-2 against the NFC South, having lost in back to back weeks against Carolina and New Orleans. They now face the remaining teams from the division over the next 2 weeks.

2) Can the defense take advantage of Mike Glennon? - Glennon has been perhaps the most impressive of all the rookie quarterbacks in 2013, but is coming off his worst game of the season when he threw for only 90 yards against Buffalo. The Buccaneers don't ask a lot of Glennon, he's only thrown the ball 22 times per game over the last 5 weeks, but he has made the most of the opportunities that his number has been called. Glennon is averaging 8 yards per pass attempt over the last 5 weeks.

The good news for the 49ers is that the only loss handed to Glennon during the recent upswing was against Carolina. Like the Panthers, the 49ers defense is among the best in the league and should be able to pose a number of problems for the rookie signal caller.

3) Will the 49ers offense be able to protect the football? - The Buccaneer defense leads the NFL in interceptions with 21 coming into Sunday. In addition, Tampa Bay has a +13 turnover margin on the season, including +11 over their last 5 games. This may end up being the biggest key of the game.

4) How about that Vincent Jackson? - Jackson has been Tampa Bay's version of Anquan Boldin this season. Much like Boldin has received the lions share of targets for the 49ers, Jackson has seen the majority of targets come his way to the tune of 55%.

While Jackson has been impressive, the 49ers better not sleep on Tiquan Underwood. In only 9 games this season Underwood has been able to put up 6 catches of 20+ yards, and all 16 of his receptions have gone for first downs.

What looks like an easy matchup when looked at quickly may be much more difficult.

5) Can Colin Kaepernick keep the trend going? - According to ESPN's Mike Sando, Colin Kaepernick leads the NFL with a QBR of 90.8 when playing against teams with a losing record at kickoff. In these matchups Kaepernick has thrown for 10 touchdown's with no interceptions.

Prediction Time:

49ers 23, Buccaneers 14

The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

5 Biggest Threats in Week 13 49ers-Bills Showdown

By Wayne P. Brown
Nov 29

The San Francisco 49ers are set to visit Highmark Stadium this weekend for a critical Week 13 showdown against the Buffalo Bills. Which five players could pose the biggest threats to a 49ers victory? QB Josh Allen Allen is the biggest threat the 49ers must prepare for in Week...


placeholder image

49ers announce roster moves ahead of Week 13 Friday practice

By Site Staff
Nov 29

The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to the practice squad. To make room on the practice squad, the team released offensive lineman Cameron Erving. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. Gutierrez...


placeholder image

Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'

By David Bonilla
22 hrs

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Difficult weather conditions and his recent recovery from a shoulder injury likely contributed to his performance. This week, Purdy has been a full participant in practice and is...


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share final updates ahead of 49ers-Bears Week 14 matchup

By Site Staff
21 hrs

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Friday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Here's everything they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone