San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (4) is congratulated by teammates after kicking the game winning field goal to edge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on Sun Nov 10, 2024 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
Sunday afternoon the San Francisco 49ers (5-4) took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) winning a close contest 23-20. The team welcomed back Christian McCaffrey healthy again and came into this game rested after a bye week.
There is no other word to describe this game other than positively ugly. There were no interceptions, Brock Purdy was sacked three times and Baker Mayfield was sacked twice. San Francisco very nearly lost this game in the closing minutes when the Bucs had a first and goal. Despite 49er kicker Jake Moody’s three missed field goals, he made the one that counted and San Francisco was able to hold on for the win.
Game recap: The 49ers took the lead in the opening quarter 7-0 when quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Ricky Pearsall for a bomb of 46 yards and the touchdown. Jake Moody made the extra point for the early San Francisco lead.
The 49ers would extend their lead in the second quarter when Moody kicked a 28 yard field goal for a 10-0 San Francisco tally. Tampa Bay finally got up on the scoreboard as the second quarter was running out kicking a 30 yard field goal with 1:14 left on the clock. San Francisco took a 10-3 lead into the locker room at the half.
The Buccaneers refused to back down tying up the game at 11:58 in the third quarter. Baker Mayfield found Rachaad White for nine yards and the touchdown. The extra point was good and this game was tied at 10. The 49ers would take back the lead in the later minutes of the quarter when Moody made a 33 yard field Goal 13-10.
Tampa Bay had trailed for the entire game until the fourth quarter rolled around. The Bucs would take a 17-13 lead less than a minute into the final quarter. Bucky Irving rushed for 12 yards pushing Tampa Bay out in front 17-13.
San Francisco pushed right back on the following drive with a George Kittle 74 yard romp putting the Niners on the 38 yard line. When the drive stalled San Francisco was forced to attempt a 38 yard field goal which failed and Tampa Bay held onto the lead with 11:30 left in the game.
Tampa Bay was unable to do much damage on their next set of downs and the 49ers were back at the helm looking to take back the lead. San Francisco’s Jacob Cowing took the Buccaneer Trenton Gill punt rushing for 30 yards and San Francisco set up their series on their own 37 Line.
The 49ers drove down to the Tampa Bay 23 yard line courtesy of Christian McCaffrey who caught a pass deep right for a 30 yard gain setting up a George Kittle catch in the end zone for a San Francisco touchdown and a 20-17 lead with 7:02 left on the clock.
Tampa Bay was not deterred and drove down to the San Francisco 13 yard line in thanks to a face mask and roughing the passer penalties by the 49ers. San Francisco committed a third penalty in a row, a hands to the face and they were giving Tampa Bay chance after chance to waltz away with this game.
They had committed a multitude of horrible errors throughout out the game allowing the Buccaneers to tie up the game at 20 with .41 seconds left on the clock.
San Francisco had the last possession of the game and drove to within field goal range. Jake Moody had one last chance to redeem this game with a 44 field goal attempt and a much needed win. He had struggled all game and very nearly missed a fourth field goal as the ball hit the upright and sailed through for a 23-20 49er win. It was ugly but a win is a win.
When the dust had settled in this see-saw matchup, Christian McCaffrey had the high rushing for 39 yards. He also finished with 68 yards on six receptions an average of 11.3 per catch. He joined a great core of receivers who all chipped in for 282 receiving yards.
It was a great return for the running back. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished the game going 25 of 36 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He had 353 yards in the game. Jauan Jennings received for 74 yards on five receptions, the high for the team. Despite the win, it was a rough day for kicker Moody missing three field goals in the game. The bottom line is he made the one that counted.
Game notes: After what has seemed to be an eternity the 49ers welcomed Christian McCAffrey back to the field as they took on the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. How will San Francisco look coming out of their bye week and how will McCaffrey look after such a long struggle with injury suffered last year? A multitude of S.F. fans were seen at the stadium as McCaffrey was poised to return in this game. The team has been cautious and questions have swirled regarding McCaffrey’s workload. McCaffrey ran for 39 yards with 13 carries against the Bucs. The 49ers cannot afford to risk his long term health.
Next Sunday the 49ers will take on the Seattle Seahawks at Levy’s Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 PM.
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