Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Rapid Reaction to the 49ers’ 31-17 Victory over the Buccaneers
The San Francisco 49ers found a way to put the Tampa Bay Buccaneers away, led by two pick-sixes and three interceptions overall. Here are the rapid reactions to the first win of the season:
1) The Defense Overcame Adversity and Carried the Day
New Linebacker Kwon Alexander was ejected early in the game and it definitely affected the team in the second half of the game.
Despite being gashed on the ground, the defense came up with three interceptions (2 pick-sixes), a fumble recovery, and three sacks and took over the second half.
While there were penalties and a few big plays given up, all in all, despite the conditions and being on the field a lot, the defense played well.
2) The Penalties Were Unacceptable
After a blocked punt following Tampa's first possession by Mark Nzeocha, the 49ers had a 7-0 lead following a touchdown pass to
George Kittle. Unfortunately, it was called back by a very questionable holding call.
There were some bad calls, but there were also plenty of calls that were called correctly that nullified big plays and scoring plays.
Penalties kept Tampa Bay in the game virtually the entire time and it made every possession an uphill climb. This game was much more difficult than it had to be.
Penalties have to be cleaned up or the 49ers will underachieve in 2019.
3) The Good and the Bad of the Offense
Jimmy Garoppolo looked comfortable overall and was effective, but there were also some growing pains.
While we don't know how the game would have played out if the Kittle touchdown had stood, Garoppolo underachieved a bit in this game.
The good? The offense was able to do just enough to be productive and put up points, but we were all left wanting more.
The running game was effective at times, as was the passing game. The best part of the day was the opening drive of the second half that featured Matt Breida on the ground, culminating with a beautiful touchdown pass to Richie James Jr.
The offense needs to improve, but like the defense, a win is a win, especially on the road.
4) We're on to Cincinnati
The Niners have to feel good about getting their first road win since the end of the 2017 season and now they prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are without A.J. Green and saw Joe Mixon leave with an ankle injury.
The 49ers will monitor the status of
Tevin Coleman (ankle) but go into Paul Brown Stadium relatively healthy.
For now, let's enjoy this win. It's been a while.
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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
49ers, QB Sam Darnold agree to 1-year deal
The San Francisco 49ers are adding a veteran quarterback. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team is signing Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to a one-year deal. He will join Trey Lance and Brock Purdy in the 49ers' quarterback room.
49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers' QB Sam Darnold, per source. pic.twitter.com/rpJLf1YXxi— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13,
What to make of the 49ers signing QB Sam Darnold
By Rohan Chakravarthi
Mar 13
After a major splash in defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, the San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold on a one-year deal.
Darnold, 25, is coming off a tumultuous season with the Carolina Panthers where he finished strong as the starting quarterback, and was expected to receive interest on the open market in a backup role.
However, he lands with the 49ers on a one-year deal, which currently places him as the backup quarterback behind Trey Lance, but likely ends as the third-string option when Brock Purdy returns from his UCL injury near the beginning of the regular season.
Darnold's fit
From the 49ers perspective, Sam Darnold is a solid signing as a player with starting experience,
DeForest Buckner sees irony in Javon Hargrave's deal with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers hoped that Javon Kinlaw was the answer to replacing DeForest Buckner in the interior of the defensive line. Instead, Kinlaw has missed 24 games over the past two seasons, and when he has been on the field, the 6-foot-5 defender has failed to make a significant impact producing just 1.5 sacks since being drafted.
The 49ers used the pick acquired from the trade that sent Kinlaw to the Indianapolis Colts. It was initially the No. 13 overall pick, but San Francisco traded down one spot to select Kinlaw with the No. 14 overall pick. All of this was because they felt they couldn't afford Buckner.
Three years later, the 49ers are paying big money to another
Details emerge on DT Javon Hargrave's 4-year, $84 million deal with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a four-year deal worth up to $84 million. It will become official after the start of the new league year on Wednesday afternoon.
OverTheCap.com has Hargrave's contract details, which include $40 million guaranteed and two void years in 2027 and 2028. The defensive tackle is signed through the 2026 season, and his salary-cap hit in his first season with the 49ers will only be $6.615 million.
2023
Base salary: $1,165,000
Prorated bonus: $4,600,000
Per-game