In week one of the NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers received a visit from the San Francisco 49ers.
Quarter One
The Buccaneers decided to receive the opening kickoff and quickly went three and out. After a blocked punt the Buccaneers then held the 49ers to a field goal. The first quarter was non eventful until the end when former Buccaneer linebacker Kwon Alexander was ejected for targeting. The play in question was a scramble from quarterback Jameis Winston and he was leveled from a headshot from Alexander. The penalty helped prolong the Buccaneers drive into quarter two.
Quarter Two
The Buccaneers scored two touchdowns on the drive that started in the first quarter. Unfortunately, both were called back after right tackle Demar Dotson was called for holding. The ensuing play was a turnover on a fumble from tight end O.J. Howard.
On the following drive cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III picked off quarterback Jimmy Garroppolo and returned the ball for the touchdown. The 15 yard pick-six gave Tampa Bay its first lead of the game. The next 49ers drive ended in another field goal to cut the lead to one. The whole drive was littered with yellow flags and contained two more touchdowns that were called back because of penalties.
On first down of the ensuing drive, Jameis Winston’s pass was picked off after the pass was tipped off of O.J. Howards hands. After the turnover the 49ers had a chance to take the lead into the second half but in stunning fashion the Buccaneers forced a fumble to preserve the lead.
First Half
Through two quarters both teams looked sloppy on offense as both have had chances for scores but penalties or turnovers have killed any momentum. In a positive showing Tampa has counted on a new playmaking defense as rookie Devin White forced a fumble to end the half and Vernon Hargreaves III had a pick six. Lavonte David has been the player of the half for Tampa Bay as he has been flying around and wreaking havoc on the 49er offense.
Quarter Three
San Francisco received the second half kickoff and promptly led a touchdown drive. The eight play drive ended with a perfect pass from Garroppolo to Richie James Jr. after James Jr. burned cornerback M.J. Stewart.
Jameis Winston had not been playing well up to this point in the game and it continued on the next drive. Jameis threw an ugly pass on second down that was picked and returned for a touchdown by cornerback Richard Sherman.
Tampa got the ball back and the pace of the offense definitely increased as they raced down the field. On first and goal Jameis Winston found wide receiver Chris Godwin in the end zone. That pulled Tampa within six points.
The 49ers attempted a 57 yard field goal on their next drive and it bounced off the cross bar.
Quarter Four
After the missed kick, Tampa Bay took over at the Tampa 39 yard line. The next drive consisted of ten plays. In the end, Tampa was faced with a fourth and goal from the two yard line and Jameis Winstons pass was broken up.
Six plays after taking over from the two yard line the 49ers punted. Tampa Bay’s next drive started from the San Francisco 49 yard line.
Tampa Bay’s next drive was led by second year running back Ronald Jones. The runner earned 28 yards on the ground. The drive ended in another Matt Gay field goal. The lead was cut to three with 4:51 to go.
After a personal foul the 49ers ended the following drive with a field goal. Jameis Winston is given the ball with 2:17 and one timeout down six points.
On the first play, Jameis Winston throws another pick six effectively ending the game. The 49ers take a 31-17 lead.
After a few plays, the Buccaneers have a turnover on downs. The game ends after a kneel from the 49ers Jimmy Garroppolo.
