Players to watch — 49ers vs. Buccaneers: Christian McCaffrey, Vita Vea, Baker Mayfield, Kendrick Bourne, and Jake Tonges will take center stage Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — both 4-1 and leading their divisions despite early injuries — square off in a matchup that could shape the NFC playoff race.
Players to Watch: 49ers vs. Buccaneers – Week 6
Top Players
All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is off to another stellar start to the season. Through five games, he has run the ball 91 times for 282 yards and caught 39 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns. Normally, the 49ers like to spread the ball among their offensive playmakers; however, with starting tight end George Kittle and wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Juan Jennings banged up, the onus has fallen on McCaffrey to carry much of the offensive load.
The fact that he has already accumulated that much yardage speaks to his extraordinary ability on the field, as well as the solid job his teammates on the offensive line — led by future Hall of Famer Trent Williams — have done opening rushing lanes for him and backup Brian Robinson.
Nevertheless, the Buccaneers’ defensive line is one of the best in the NFL when it comes to stopping the run. 350-pound nose tackle Vita Vea anchors the group in the middle, surrounded by a strong supporting cast that includes defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and defensive end Logan Hall.
Look for the 49ers to call plays to get McCaffrey the ball in space and allow him to use his speed on the outside, given the tougher sledding trying to run up the middle against Tampa Bay’s massive, athletic defensive front.
Depth Concers
The 49ers would not have beaten the Los Angeles Rams last week without the contributions of Kendrick Bourne and Jake Tonges. These two players have risen from obscurity, making the most of their expanded playing time while filling in for injured teammates.
Against a susceptible, injury-depleted Buccaneers secondary, Bourne has a chance for another big game after his 10-catch performance last week. Quarterback Mac Jones, who is set to start again in place of the still-injured Brock Purdy, will likely look his way often, especially with Pearsall out and Jennings practicing, but still not 100 percent healthy.
49ers Defense
Following a turbulent first few NFL seasons, Mayfield has found sustained success with the Buccaneers, leading the team to NFC South championships the past two years. Last season, Mayfield threw for 41 touchdowns — a mark he could reach or eclipse again if he maintains his current form. He has thrown for 1,283 yards, 10 touchdowns, and only one interception through five games.
With his top target, Mike Evans, sidelined by a hamstring injury, rookie Emeka Egbuka has risen to the occasion. His 445 receiving yards through five games make him an early contender for the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and middle linebacker Fred Warner will need to devise a game plan to keep Mayfield and Egbuka from repeatedly connecting down the field.
If the 49ers can get McCaffrey going early and contain Mayfield without giving up too many big plays, they’ll be in position to notch another statement win. But if Tampa Bay’s front seven and Mayfield stay hot, Sunday could be the 49ers’ toughest fight yet.
Main Photo: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
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