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Buccaneers vs. 49ers: The Good, Bad and Ugly from San Francisco’s 34-17 Week 7 Loss

By Peter Panacy

October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly (center) talks to quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers defeated the 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly (center) talks to quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers defeated the 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The Ugly

San Francisco’s run defense. And then some.

The 49ers have allowed a 100-plus yard rusher each week dating back to Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. And Buccaneers backup running back Jacquizz Rodgers managed 154 yards on the ground and had already crested the 100-yard mark before halftime.

In total, the Niners gave up a whopping 249 yards on the ground and are on pace to allow 2,962 rushing yards on the season. Let that number sink in a bit.

It’s easy to point a finger at defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil, whose rushing defenses with the Cleveland Browns ranked Nos. 32 and 30 in the NFL in 2014 and 2015, respectively. It doesn’t look as if that ranking will change with a once-thought upgraded 49ers defense this year.

But the problems aren’t limited to the ground game either. Bucs wideout Mike Evans torched cornerback Rashard Robinson over the course of the game, and Evans posted 96 yards and two touchdowns.

San Francisco had no answers here. Or anywhere for that matter.

October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Buccaneers defeated the 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Buccaneers defeated the 49ers 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries were also ugly. The Niners lost Robinson, defensive end Arik Armstead and linebacker Aaron Lynch to various injuries. Those are impact players, so it’s a good thing the 49ers have a two-week break before their Week 9 bout against the New Orleans Saints.

More from Niner Noise

So who knows where San Francisco goes now. It’s clear, more than ever, how bad this Niners group is.

The team lacks talent, has few — if any — playmakers on either side of the ball and the coaching isn’t putting the existing players in positions to succeed.

Next: Buccaneers vs. 49ers: Week 7 Grades & Analysis for San Francisco

Maybe the Week 8 bye is a relief. At least we won’t have to worry about breaking down yet another frustrating and ugly performance from the red and gold a week from today.