Although the Buccaneers are dealing with injuries, there are several players the San Francisco 49ers must pay attention to on the football field in their Week 10 matchup.
QB Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield ranks second in passing with 2,389 yards, completing 71.4% of his passes. Mayfield also leads the NFL in touchdowns with 23. To summarize, he is efficient, accurate, and loves throwing the football. Mayfield also can use his feet under duress and scramble for yards, extending plays and keeping drives alive. The 49ers' defense will have a long day if they allow Mayfield to find his rhythm.
RB(s) Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker
The Bucs have a three-headed monster at the running back position, led by their leading rusher, Bucky Irving, who has racked up 419 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Rachaad White has 275 rushing yards and one touchdown on the season. Sean Tucker rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown as well. The 49ers' run defense must put up a front and not allow explosive runs from any of the three.
TE Cade Otton
Cade Otten has been a godsend for Bay Mayfield since the injuries to his number one and two wide receivers, Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ACL). Otton is third in targets in the NFL amongst tight ends with 60. He has 44 receptions with a 73.3 reception rate. Otton is utilized mainly in the Bucs' short passing game and has been targeted 42 times for 288 yards, 8.7 per reception, and three touchdowns.
DL Vita Vea
Vita Vea is an elite interior defensive lineman in the NFL. His ability to rush the passer and stop the run puts him in the top 20. Vea ranks tied for sixth with run stops in the backfield with 14. The 49ers need to run outside the zone to get the big man tired and away from being dominant in the middle of the field.
S Antoine Whitfield Jr.
Although Antoine Whitfield Jr. is having a subpar season, he still poses a threat out on the football field due to his versatility. Whitfield Jr. can line up in the box, around the line of scrimmage, and play deep as a safety in coverage. He has had no interceptions or pass breakups this season, but Purdy likes to go across the middle of the field.
Purdy and the 49ers passing attack should be careful with Whitfield Jr. lurking over the middle. If he lined up on the line of scrimmage, he's coming for the quarterback. The veteran safety can be dangerous if not accounted for.
The 49ers will have their hands full on Sunday against the Buccaneers. They must not overlook any of the Buccaneers' players and prepare for a battle on the gridiron.
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