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Week 7 Grades for Buccaneers Win over 49ers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:51 p.m. ET

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Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter on the sideline against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers entered their Week 6 bye week with a win and were looking to come out of it the same way and draw even at three wins and three losses.

The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Buccaneers in their Week 7 match-up looking to get their second win of the season in Colin Kaepernick’s second start this year.

For a Bucs team who has underperformed overall they found themselves with a key opportunity to grab a road win against a 49ers team which has been one of the worst in the NFL in 2016.

A win would keep Tampa in possession of second place in the NFC South pending the Atlanta Falcons’ outcome against the San Diego Chargers in a game which became much more contentious than many thought it would.

Football is a team effort and every team has specialized position groups. Once again, we look at each and grade their performances, but here there’s no “E” grades. If you fail, you get an “F”.

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gestures before the play against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers offense and defense rarely seem to be on the same page this season. Typically, one side of the ball has been on while the other has been painfully off.

Usually, this leads to mistakes almost too painful not to laugh away.

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In Week 7 the Bucs headed to the West Coast where history shows they should struggle, but current standings showed they would have plenty of opportunities to perform against one of the softest defenses in the NFL.

Over 500-yards of offense and 34-points later, Dirk Koetter and his offense are headed home with a win and a performance with plenty to be proud of.

Unlike in Week 5 against the Panthers, this week’s performance was much more balanced between the run and pass.

Instead of leaning on suddenly starting Jacquizz Rodgers the Buccaneers attacked the 49ers’ vulnerable defense with short passes, deep passes, screens and of course a heavy dose of the running game.

After their typical slow start and a disheartening early turnover, the group got on track in the second quarter and never looked back.

Now, let’s get down to the specifics.

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers entered this game looking to continue the great running performance they rode to victory in Week 5, and the result was Jameis Winston trying just five passes in the first quarter.

In the second quarter however, the Bucs got a little more creative and the result was a 10-for-13 second quarter while compiling 123 yards and two touchdown strikes.

Winston isn’t exactly a running quarterback, but he’s shown during his short career he can pull it down and taking off if need be. On his first touchdown pass he scrambled away from the pocket drawing in the 49ers defenders.

Once they were satisfactorily drawn into the threat of his running it in to the endzone he lobbed the ball over their heads and into the waiting arms of Mike Evans who caught his fifth touchdown pass of the year on the play.

Another connection with Evans came in the second half and Winston dialed up three touchdown passes following his lone turnover to earn a 117.2 quarterback rating.

Adding to his good statistical day, the second-year quarterback was sacked just twice for a total loss of five yards and was forced to run the ball just once all day.

The Buccaneers let their young gunslinger throw it more this week than they had in Week 5 which should quell some of the banter about whether head coach Dirk Koetter trusts his young franchise quarterback or not.

Three touchdowns and a mistake free last 75% of the game give Winston a top grade while the early interception drops it just a bit.

GRADE: A-

Next: RUNNING BACKS

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Following his 101-yard performance on Monday Night Football two weeks ago, Jacquizz Rodgers got his second straight start as the Buccaneers looked for back-to-back wins to get their season back to .500.

In the first quarter Rodgers was handed the ball eight times and took those carries for 48-yards.

His longest run of the first half came in the second quarter as he took the ball through the line and into the third level of San Francisco’s defense for 45-yards helping him total 110 first half rushing yards.

Unlike Week 5 though Rodgers wasn’t left to carry the running back burden all to himself as newly signed Antone Smith and undrafted free-agent Peyton Barber combined for six carries and two catches scratching out 69-yards of offense themselves.

None of these runners may have found the endzone in the first half, but they certainly shouldered a ton of the weight as the Bucs grabbed momentum in the second quarter.

Rogers met a tougher run defense in the second half which can be attributed largely to the fact Tampa went into clock draining mode for the better part of the fourth quarter.

Still, the impressive replacement for Doug Martin had himself quite the day picking up 154-yards rushing on 26 carries – the second straight week with over 25 touches – and even added a catch for nine yards.

The backups to the backup got more involved as the game waned on as well and Barber broke a late 44-yard touchdown run to not only clinch the game for his Buccaneers, but give him 84-yards rushing on just 12 carries.

The running backs accounted for nearly half of the offensive production and nearly outgained the entire 49ers offense on the game.

Those numbers and the game clinching touchdown give this unit a top grade.

GRADE: A

Next: WIDE RECEIVERS

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) gestures after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Evans has been the Buccaneers’ top receiver for a couple years now, but with Vincent Jackson being placed on injured reserve his standing as the number-one guy has never been as obvious.

Despite the extra attention being given to Evans he has been able to put together a respectable year to this point and early in the match-up against the 49ers it was no different.

Three catches on six targets for 47-yards and a score helped get the Bucs a lead heading into halftime.

Russell Shepard chipped in with three catches of his own for 37-yards and the go-ahead touchdown capping off a 17-point second quarter for Tampa.

The Evans and Shepard show continued in the final half of the game as well. Actually, it was more like the Winston and Evans show with a guest appearance by Shepard, though we’re all probably hoping he becomes a regular guest.

The two combined for 13 catches, 174 yards and all three touchdown catches today. They did all this on 19 targets giving them a catch percentage of almost 70%.

Adam Humphries had a few targets and came away with two catches of his own for 17-yards. A quiet day for the second-year player, but a win is a win and I’m sure he’s not too upset about his personal stat line tonight.

Three touchdown catches and almost 200 hundred yards of combined offense keep the high marks coming.

GRADE: A+

Luke Stocker’s return was very important for the Buccaneers in Week 7, but not from a pass

catching stand point. Primarily used for pass protection and some short yardage run blocking, Stocker is as important as any tight end on the roster, just not as obvious.

Cameron Brate’s role has been a little more conspicuous as he has been the team’s primary receiving tight end since the early days of training camp.

In the first half of this week’s action Brate hauled in all three of his targets taking the ball 29-yards total for his quarterback.

Brate went target-less and obviously was then catch-less in the second half.

Still, the impact this unit made blocking for their quarterback and running backs can’t be understated, and even though the statistical measurements are small this group still gets a slightly above average grade for the week.

GRADE: C+

Next: OFFENSIVE LINE

Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Joe Hawley (68) sets against against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line for the Buccaneers has been a mixed bag at times, but looked to put together two consecutive strong performances.

Facing a 49ers pass rush which ranks among the worst ten in the NFL for sacks and came into the week giving up almost 200-yards more than any other team on the ground is a recipe for success.

In the first half the 49ers got to Winston once for just a 1-yard loss.

Meanwhile, the Bucs gained 141-yards rushing in the first half, helping to ensure San Francisco’s league worst reputation would be held in tact.

Joe Hawley struggled throughout the game with lingering and even possibly new injuries, but the rotation at center didn’t affect the group negatively overall.

In fact, the group only gave up two sacks on the game and paved the way for over 200-yards of rushing offense.

Quarterbacks can’t throw when they don’t have time, and running backs can’t run without lanes to get through.

This unit provided both and they get deserving marks for their efforts, however they also get credit for the nine hits Winston took in the pocket, even if some were due to his holding the ball too long.

GRADE: B+

Next: DEFENSE

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) celebrates after a play against San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The return of Gerald McCoy certainly provided a boost to this Buccaneers squad as they hit the road to the west coast for this match-up.

The return of Colin Kaepernick also provided a new wrinkly Blaine Gabbert simply couldn’t match in his time under center for the 49ers.

Anytime a team faces a Chip Kelly designed offense it’s going to be important to stay disciplined and get off the field lest you find yourself winded very quickly.

Early on it looked as if it might be a long day for this defensive unit as San Francisco jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and the Bucs looked vulnerable to just about everything they were trying to do.

When the clock hit zero in the first quarter though a whole new picture emerged as the home team struggled to find three more points throughout the rest of the game while suffering three takeaways by an opportunistic Bucs defense.

Anytime your defense allows under 300-yards of offense to your opponent there’s a good chance you get the “W”.

That’s exactly what happened this week, and here’s how….

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah (38) forces a fumble by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

For the second straight season the Buccaneers secondary has shouldered much of the blame for the teams sub-500 record to this point.

Two passing touchdowns from Colin Kaepernick in the first quarter served to only support the jeers sent this unit’s way, but the group locked down in the second quarter.

In the games second stanza, Kaepernick connected on six passes for just 35-yards and was picked off by safety Bradley McDougald helping to set up a field goal to bring the Bucs to within four on the road.

This group wasn’t done terrorizing the 49ers newly reanointed starter though as they only allowed the 49ers to complete seven passes in the entire second half. Doing so limited them to just 50-yards of passing offense.

The group also forced a fumble when cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah came in on Kaepernick’s blindside and separated the quarterback from the ball.

Yes, this is the San Francisco offense so it’s important to temper the hype, but no matter how easy the test when you have all the answers it’s still a high grade.

Early stumbles temper the overall marks, but it still looks good on the gpa.

GRADE: B+

Next: LINEBACKERS

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) rushes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers linebackers have been steady and solid all season long, so it’s almost average to see one of them leading the team in tackles and in on just about every defensive play on the field.

The first half of this match-up was no different as Kwon Alexander entered the locker-room at the half. Lavonte David added his three to the group while Daryl Smith chipped in another two including one for a loss.

Their ten tackles combine came on just 32 snaps in the first two quarters meaning Tampa linebackers were involved in just around 33% of all defensive plays in the first half.

In the end it was Alexander who led his team on the field with 10 tackles and two hits on the quarterback. David accounted for eight including one for a loss, and Smith chipped in three with two for a loss.

No sacks and no plays in the passing game won’t sky rocket the grade, but consistent performance can’t be underappreciated as the season moves forward and teams jockey for playoff positioning.

GRADE: B-

Next: DEFENSIVE LINE

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) holds the ball after a fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

William Gholston has always shown flashes of starter-type talent, but he never seemed to get it going on a consistent basis while his performances were also dampened by unnecessary and inexcusable penalties from time-to-time.

After a strong performance two weeks ago, Gholston’s first half showed much more of that talent as he racked up six tackles to lead all defenders in the game.

He also got credit for a tackle for a loss, one hit on quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the lone sack on the mobile QB in the first half.

After getting gashed for some good chunks early by the 49ers running game, the front line settled down and allowed just nine yards rushing in the second half to San Francisco running backs.

The second half saw more DuJuan Harris than it did Mike Davis or Shaun Draughn, but no matter who the 49ers put at running back, the front end kept them in relative check.

Zero runs eclipsed 20-yards and outside of a few breakout runs there really wasn’t anything going on for the San Francisco running group without Carlos Hyde.

Three of the four sacks on Kaepernick also came from this group including a late one by rookie Noah Spence who has been quiet this year after being drafted in the second-round of this year’s draft.

The sacks and the low rushing total for the opponent help this group reach grades most would be envious of.

GRADE: B

Next: SPECIAL TEAMS

Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo (19) kicks a field goal with a hold from punter Bryan Anger (9) against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

For once we can talk about more than Bryan Anger here, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Roberto Aguayo put up five first half points as the Buccaneers took a three point lead into the half as he made both extra points he tried and his lone field goal attempt from 38-yards.

Anger did come onto the field once in the first half and sent his only punt flying for 38 yards putting the 49ers inside their own 20-yard line.

The return game gets to be the bearer of bad news this week though as twice rookie Ryan Smith produced horrid kickoff returns netting just 20-yards on two returns.

Each return put Winston and company in bad position trying to answer their opponents’ scoring drives, and hurt the team in the third phase of the game.

Aguayo would go on to miss one field goal, but as Pewter Plank expert James Yarcho points out, from 50-yards with swirling winds we can give him a small pass on that one.

Ultimately this group was strong in the most crucial areas. No turnovers on returns – despite one close one – and a relatively strong day from the kicking crew gives this unit the most complete grade they’ve had all year long.

GRADE: B

Next: THE END

October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Shepard (89) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers came away with the most important grade of all: A “W”.

34-17 is no score to laugh at and it wasn’t even close after the game entered the second quarter and beyond.

As I mentioned a bit earlier though, this was against the San Francisco 49ers who are in steep competition with the Cleveland Browns to find out who the worst team in the NFL is.

This is a team starting a quarterback who just six months ago wanted nothing to do with the very team he’s playing for, missing their only player with potential star power (Hyde), and have a coach almost no other team would touch at the pro level.

So all of this doesn’t take any points off the win and the team is 3-3 and one game out of first place following Atlanta’s second straight loss (here we go again?).

Next week this team hosts the Oakland Raiders at home, and while it’ll be a tough match-up, it’s a winnable one.

This secondary is coming off two straight solid performances, but they’ll be taking on one of the most promising quarterbacks in Derek Carr armed with the duo of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to test them all day long.

For now, we celebrate.

How did you grade your Buccaneers team this week? Where do you see improvement, if any, and where do the biggest concerns lie in your opinion?

As always, thanks for reading, and please feel free to join the discussion below, tweet me personally, or hit up the site on Twitter.

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