Mission: San Francisco 49ers

The recently crowned 9-5 NFC South Champion Bucs get to take on the 4-10 49ers this week. Feeling ready to go for the rest of the season, the Bucs can rest easy in the next two weeks. Hopefully, they don’t give up their games. The Bucs will bring in a team empty of Pro Bowlers, while the 49ers will boast one.

The 49ers are basically last in every offensive category. They are 31st in points per game, 32nd in total yards per game, and 32nd in passing yards per game. They are also last in the league in total first downs, total offensive yards, and average yards per offensive play. Their passing game has been extremely inconsistent, but the 49ers look to have found a little stability in 3rd-string QB Shaun Hill, who led the 49ers to a victory over the Bengals last Saturday. Hill has a 107.4 QB rating, while the other two have ratings lower than 60. Their running game was once dominant, but star rusher Frank Gore has had an off season. He has rushed for less than 1,000 yards, and only 5 TD’s. He has been a huge bust, and a big disappointment. The 49ers have some deadly weapons in the receiver position, boasting Arnaz Battle and Vernon Davis. They are the leading receivers on the team. There are seven receivers who are in double digits with catches. With a largely underrated defense, the 49ers are strong on the other side of the ball. Recently elected Pro Bowler Patrick Willis leads the team with 142 tackles, and also has one sack. Nate Clements leads a backfield that leads the league in interceptions with 10, 3 of those belonging to Clements. Their defense is in the top 10 in four offensive categories.

The Bucs defense is now 1st in the league in points allowed per game, and is 2nd in the league in passing yards allowed. They are 3rd in total yards allowed. Even though everyone on the defense was snubbed by the Pro Bowl, they still post a potent defense, one that is truly tough to play against. The Bucs have only allowed 22 touchdowns, which is also 1st in the league. Barrett Ruud and Derrick Brooks are only two of 20 guys in the league with 100 or more tackles. Despite an amazing defense, the Bucs also showcase a pretty good offense. Their leading receiver, Joey Galloway, is 15 yards away from 1,000. QB Jeff Garcia is prepared to play, albeit an emotional game, returning to his first team. Earnest Graham is still expected to play, despite the fact that the Bucs have wrapped up the South.

With only two games remaining in the season, the Bucs can take it easy, but have said that they are still going to play. If Shaun Hill has a repeat performance, than the Bucs might have a bit of a challenge. If he plays like the other 49ers quarterbacks, the Bucs should have an easy time disposing of them.