49ers squeak by Bucs: Rapid reactions

It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win, especially when you need every win you can get to make a run toward the postseason. The San Francisco 49ers survived an ugly second half to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. And they desperately needed this one, too.

It looked like the 49ers might control the game, but they made too many mistakes, which allowed the Buccaneers to hang around and eventually take the lead. After the 49ers grabbed a fourth-quarter lead, Tampa tied it up with less than one minute remaining. San Francisco made enough plays to grab the win, however.

Here are my rapid reactions. These are my live observations as the game unfolded. That's why you may read me hating on someone (like...I don't know...the kicker) and then later praise him. Let's jump in and take a look at this rollercoaster.

• It's so great to see Christian McCaffrey back on the field. The 49ers have missed him. The biggest thing he brings to the team is what he adds in the passing game.
• Brock Purdy's first two passes were ugly. I'm not sure what's going on with him.
• As hard as I am on Ronnie Bell, he covers punts really well.
• Fred Warner. Drive-killer.
• Congrats, Ricky Pearsall, on your first NFL touchdown. I love seeing this. Pearsall is a keeper.

• Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins, and the 49ers pass rush got to Baker Mayfield on the third series for Tampa. We need to see a lot more of that.
• That was a great catch by George Kittle to end the first quarter, but why are Purdy's throws off today? I feel like each one has been too high so far.

• McCaffrey hates being taken off the field. But I understand why the 49ers are being cautious.
• Deebo Samuel hasn't had the impact in the running game as he has in previous seasons.
• Third and Jauan is back. The offense missed Jauan Jennings.
• The red zone woes continue, even with McCaffrey.
• DeVondre Campbell came through with a big tackle on third down right before the half. And just when I was getting ready to write that he makes me miss Dre Greenlaw more and more each week.
• Jennings is the 49ers best wide receiver. And he has been all season.

• Special teams again. It's annoying how bad they are. How many games have they cost the 49ers?

• With the muffed punt and missed field goal by Jake Moody, that's a 10-point difference caused by special teams mistakes.
• At least Moody hit that one to give the 49ers a lead. But they need touchdowns. Field goals won't do it. I'm at a loss for words regarding this team's red zone offense.
• And now the 49ers can't stop the run.
• Renardo Green is impressive. That's a big pass breakup in the endzone.
• Nick Bosa doesn't look right. Perhaps that injury is slowing him down.
• Kittle is unreal. He's out there carrying people.
• Jacob Cowing can't block. That's why he doesn't play much in offense.
• Isaac Guerendo needs to be better in pass protection.
• Moody missed another one. I'm not too fond of this special teams unit.

• Between Purdy's missed throws, and the 49ers unable to handle the blitz, the offense has been a mess at times today. Then, at other times, they've been great.
• That's a big punt return by Cowing. The 49ers needed that.
• Great play by Purdy and McCaffrey on the big pass play. Purdy was excellent in the face of pressure, lofting the ball up perfectly and McCaffrey came down with it for a big gain. Can they finish this drive with a touchdown?

• Yes, they can. Excellent job by Purdy extending the play and making a perfect throw to Kittle for the lead. And the All-Pro tight end did his job by getting his feet down in bounds.

• If the defense can hold, that touchdown may have saved the 49ers season.
• Bosa with the sack on the biggest third down of the game.
• The 49ers have had very few answers for the blitz.
• Moody has been terrible today. And I don't think Samuel would disagree with me after that issue on the sideline with him, Moody, and Taybor Pepper.
• For being off on so many throws, Purdy ended up having a great game. 353 yards passing, two touchdown passes, and some clutch plays, especially in the fourth quarter and the final drive.
• Jake Moody. Money! At least on that one. 49ers win.

San Francisco improves to 5-4 and has won two in a row for the first time this season. Can they make it three in a row next week against the Seattle Seahawks?