This weekend the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the 49ers vs Bucs matchup, there will be a lot to look for. Although this game began as a match-up between Tom Brady and his former backup Jimmy Garoppolo, that is no longer the case. Last weekend against the Miami Dolphins. That game began with Garoppolo breaking his foot, missing what will most likely be the rest of the season. Now, San Francisco will be without their quarterback and going with the rookie, Brock Purdy. Here are three players to watch in the 49ers vs Bucs matchup.
49ers vs Bucs: Brock Purdy
There is no surprise that rookie quarterback, Brock Purdy will be a player to watch in the 49ers vs Bucs matchup. San Francisco is on a five-game win streak, currently leading the NFC West. Last weekend against the Miami Dolphins was the first time Purdy truly played in an NFL game. Any of the other times were due to pulling starters out due to the score.
For the Dolphins game being Purdy’s first true time taking the field, he played very well. According to ESPN, Purdy completed 25 out of 37 passes for 210 yards. He also threw two touchdown passes, one to Kyle Juszczyk and one to Christian McCaffrey. Purdy did throw one interception when the team was going for it on fourth down. While it was not the worst interception, and just pushed the Dolphins’ field position further back, that will need to be avoided.
The hardest part for opposing teams to face a quarterback who has never played is that there is no film on him. The Dolphins’ defense blitzed multiple times and Purdy was able to still make impressive plays. This will be a big test for Purdy to see if he can keep up the momentum in the 49ers vs Bucs matchup. For now, it seems as though the team has the full support of the young quarterback. A full quote by linebacker Fred Warner can be read in a tweet here.
Luckily for the team Purdy practices against the San Francisco defense each week. Purdy was the scout quarterback for the past 13 weeks. That puts him in a decent advantage, going against the top defense in the league each week. It is unknown what to expect heading into the game against Tampa Bay, but everyone will be watching Purdy in the 49ers vs Bucs matchup.
49ers vs Bucs: Arik Armstead
San Francisco’s defensive lineman, Arik Armstead has been battling injuries all season. Last weekend against the Miami Dolphins was his long-awaited return to the team. Having Armstead back on the defensive line was a large factor in why Nick Bosa earned three sacks against Miami. By his second game back, this defensive line can get pressure on a weak Tampa Bay offensive line.
There are not many 2022 stats for Armstead, but he returned at the perfect time. According to ESPN. Armstead has only played in four games this season, totaling five combined tackles, four of which have been solo. When Armstead can stay healthy, he is a key member of this defense. Hopefully by the 49ers vs Buccs matchup. Armstead has been limited in practice this week, but a full participant in Thursday’s practice. As long as he is healthy throughout the game, be sure to watch Armstead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Also to be noted, Arik Armstead has once again been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, congratulations to him.
49ers vs Bucs: George Kittle
Tight end George Kittle may not have been making the headlines as often as he used to, but he has been such an essential part of this 49ers offense. Kittle makes needed blocks for big games, as well as brings one of the many weapons on the offense that opposing teams need to worry about. With a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start, Kittle will be a player to watch in the 49ers vs Bucs game.
Purdy will need every weapon on the field that he can get. He is being put in the perfect position to get the ball to players. This 49ers offense is full of targets such as Kittle, McCaffrey, Juszczyk, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and even more players who go unnoticed. Kittle being on the field for easy passes can be just what the 49ers need. Last weekend against the Miami Dolphin, Purdy made a great throw to Kittle down the middle before taking a hit by the defense. If that momentum can continue this week, the team may actually be okay without their starting quarterback.
This season, Kittle has had a total of 38 receptions for 472 yards, according to ESPN. He has averaged 12.4 yards per reception and caught four touchdown passes. If Kittle maintains that episode, the rookie quarterback can be just fine. Purdy will need this team to support him, and Kittle will be one of the many players to look for during the 49ers vs Bucs game.
The 49ers vs Bucs matchup will be this Sunday in San Francisco. Look for these players to do what they can to hopefully get their sixth win in a row.
For more NFL and NCAA Content:
Check out my article for more information about Brock Purdy and if he can keep the 49ers Successful. Also, check out my most recent Underestimated Player Spotlight. For more on college football, read here about how the 12-team expansion will help the Penn State Nittany Lions.
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