It's the Clash of the Titans. The San Francisco 49ers take on the best in the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams are 4-1 and lead their divisions. Both teams have significant injuries, and as a result, some players will miss this head-to-head battle. If the 49ers look to improve to 5-1 and remain at the top of the National Football Conference, they must apply the Keys to Victory.
Limit the Explosive Plays
The 49ers were aired out in Week 5 against the Rams, allowing 378 passing yards to Matthew Stafford, with seven of those plays being 20 yards or more in the air. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs rank sixth in passing yards per game, averaging 243.4 yards. The Bucs' leading receiver, rookie Emeka Eguba, leads the team in yards and explosive plays down the field.
Expect Baker Mayfield to pick on the 49ers' young secondary and test players such as safety Marques Sigle, nickel back Upton Stout, and cornerback Renardo Green. Mayfield could look to go vertical downfield against the 49ers' secondary for the majority of the game. If the 49ers can limit the explosive plays, they will be victorious and improve to 5-1.
Stop the Run
The 49ers' defense must continue to make strides in stopping the run. The Buccaneers rank 20th in rushing, averaging 110.4 yards per game. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins will likely start this week, and the team is getting some reinforcements up front, such as Kevin Givens, whose practice window is officially open.
The Buccaneers may be without their starting running back, Bucky Irving, who's dealing with several injuries for the second straight week. That doesn't mean that Rachaad White won't be able to hold it down. White rushed for 41 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns against the Seahawks in Week 5. He also caught four passes for 30 yards.
The 49ers' defense must play fundamentally sound, wrapping and tackling every ball carrier. If the run defense shows up to stop the run, the 49ers will improve to 5-1.
Attack the Secondary
The Buccaneers' defense ranks 20th in passing yards per game, giving up an average of 218.4 yards. They are the strongest at the safety position, so Mac Jones may want to limit the deep throws down the middle of the field. Jones may find the most success by targeting the linebackers and outside corners in this game.
Expect running back Christian McCaffrey to see a high volume of targets out of the backfield because the Buccaneers' linebackers struggle in coverage. Additionally, the 49ers may receive a significant boost by utilizing their tight ends, Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell, more effectively if the linebackers cover them.
The Buccaneers will look to take away the run, so the 49ers will have to do what they have been doing best—attacking the pass defenses of every team.
This game will be fun, but it won't be easy. Both teams have high-powered defenses and explosive offenses. Most importantly, both teams are coached very well, and it may simply come down to the kicker's leg to decide who will reach 5-1. If the 49ers want to be victorious, they must stick to the Keys to Victory to reign supreme in the NFC.