49ers vs. Buccaneers 4th quarter thread: Special teams, 3rd down defense, and red zone woes

49ers vs. Buccaneers 4th quarter thread: Special teams, 3rd down defense, and red zone woes
Niners Nation Niners Nation

All have been an issue

Cade Otton dropped a critical pass, which helped the defense get off the field, and that took us to halftime. San Francisco outgained Tampa Bay by nearly 100 yards in the first half.

The defense forced a three-and-out to begin the half, but Jacob Cowing muffed a punt after Darrell Luter ran into him. Tampa Bay scored in four plays, and just like that, the game was tied at 10.

The 49ers offense had a 13-play, 55-yard drive that took over five minutes. McCaffrey had a third down reception in the red zone. This came after Debo Samuel moved the chains on 3rd & 5. But a second down sack ended the drive, and the Niners had to settle for another field goal to make it 13-10.

The defense gave up a couple of first downs to the Buccaneers, and that continued on the first play in the fourth quarter, which was on 3rd & 2.