As the Bucs try to exercise some west coast demons as of recent heading out to Santa Clara to face the struggling 1-5 49ers, there are some major exploits the Bucs need to take advantage of.
If you haven’t heard or seen how bad the 49ers rush defense is, let me refresh you. They are giving up 174.5 yds pg. 27 yards worse than the next and on pace to be the worst run defense in 21 seasons. They gave up 312 to McCoy and the Bills last week and have had five straight 100yd rushers against them. Todd Monken has to dial up the run early and VERY often completely regardless of success. You plug away and you’ll bust one off on this defense sooner or later.
They are last in points given up and the Bucs can score the football fast when they get hot. Jacquizz showed he can handle a load against Carolina, expect even more touches this week. Fantasy sleeper anybody?
The 49ers offense does run the football very well with Carlos Hyde good for 5th in the league and surprisingly the least penalized offense in football. Having Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald back on the line will help the run defense. They have a zero turnover ratio, combined with the least penalties is an offense that’s not going to beat themselves. The Bucs have to play smart football defensively and not give these guys dumb penalties and help their drives especially on third down obvious passing situations.
If the Bucs can load the box and corners handle man to man on the outside early against an inferior receiving corps led by Jeremy Kerley, we should be able to slow the run and force some throws so getting out to a good start offensively is vital. They are points to be scored in this game, Bucs 35-17 over the ‘9ers!
