We hand out a single game ball to the San Francisco 49ers from the Niners’ 27-9 Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On yesterday’s Locked On 49ers Podcast, host Brian Peacock provided a rundown of the Niners’ game — including game notes and key takeaways — and handed out one game ball from the San Francisco 49ers’ loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs in Week 12 of the 2018 NFL regular season.
In his third NFL start, 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens took a major step back from his previous two games, as the young QB couldn’t handle the Buccaneers’ continuous pass rush. Missing both top wide receivers Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon, rookie wideout Dante Pettis was Mullens’ top receiver of the day. Surprisingly, Mullens had a hard time hooking up with his favorite target, tight end George Kittle, who caught just half of his 12 targets for a total of 48 yards.
The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive unit fared no better, particularly with the absence of former first-rounder Reuben Foster, who was dismissed from the team after the linebacker was arrested on domestic abuse charges at the team hotel on Saturday night. The Niners’ defense didn’t come to play on Sunday, as they allowed Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, for a passer rating of 117.4.
While Pettis deserves an honorable mention due to his 77 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, the lone game ball of the week goes to another offensive player, running back Matt Breida:
49ers RB Matt Breida
Breida continues to be one of the lone bright spots for the 49ers in 2018, as the second-year runner amassed 106 rushing yards on just 14 carries on Sunday, thanks to a 7.6 yards-per-rush average. Breida also added three catches for 34 yards through the air, and appeared to score a touchdown on a short run that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan chose not to challenge.
Breida took advantage of the Niners’ Week 11 bye, as the running back was back at full strength and appeared to seek out contact from Bucs’ defenders. Even with the return of running back Jerick McKinnon next season, Breida has certainly carved out a significant role in San Francisco’s backfield in 2019:
Listen to Locked On 49ers host Brian Peacock’s review of the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — including game notes and key takeaways from the Niners’ 10th loss of the season — on yesterday’s’ Rapid React podcast:
About the Author: Chris Wilson
