Photo credit: nbcbayarea.com

By: Joe Lami

The Niners defense forced four turnovers on Sunday, more than half of their 2018 total, as they earned their first victory of the season 31-17 over Tampa Bay. The defense carried the weight in the win, outscoring the offense 2-1 in the touchdown department.

San Francisco’s new-look defense appears to be running on full steam by the time the second half rolled around where they would see two pick-sixes from Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon. The updated front seven created chaos for Jameis Winston, picking up three sacks on the Bucs’ QB.

Winston struggled, finishing 20 of 36 for 194 yards and one touchdown.

Rookie Joey Bosa picked up his first career sack while getting three QB hits, and three tackles. Bosa was fooled early in the contest by Winston in the pocket but said postgame that it was a great learning experience.

While the defense deserves praise, the offense still has a ways to go. Jimmy Garoppolo was good enough to earn the win, throwing 18 of 27 for 166 yards, a touchdown, and a pick-six. His favorite target was George Kittle who carried the most of the weight with eight catches for 54 yards. He would’ve scored a touchdown early in the first quarter, but it was called back via penalty.

Penalties cost both teams dramatically, taking away a combined five touchdowns. The Niners were whistled 11 times for 87 yards, taking away three touchdowns and killing multiple drives.

The Niners rushing attack was mediocre, fueled by Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, and Tevin Coleman. Mostert got the blunt of the workload in the second half trying to put the game away. He finished with nine carries for 40 yards, while Breida got 15 carries for 37 yards.

Coleman’s 49ers’ debut was cut short, as he went down with an ankle injury after getting six carries for 23 yards. He’s scheduled for an x-ray on Monday.

Garoppolo’s lone TD came on the opening possession of the second half, finding Richie James Jr. from 39-yards out down the left sideline. It was James’ first career score.

Sherman earned his third career pick-six immediately following James’ score, giving the Niners a 20-7 lead. It also marked his first interception in the red and gold, as the former all-pro was shutout last season.

The unsung hero was backup linebacker Mark Nzeocha, who blocked a punt and had an interception. Nzeocha entered the game when former Bucs’ linebacker Kwon Alexander was ejected for targeting Winston.

Witherspoon’s first career touchdown put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, making it 30-17 with 2:01 remaining.

The victory is a huge morale boost for San Francisco. Much of the off-season was dedicated towards adding to the pass rush and forcing more turnovers. They did just that in the win. The Niners will now extend their road trip, with a matchup against the 0-1 Bengals next Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PST.