49ers vs. Buccaneers: 5 matchups to watch in Week 12

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks a tackle from Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

6 of 6

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh vs. Todd Monken, Buccaneers offensive coordinator

The 49ers defense has had a poor season by virtually any measurement. Much like the players on the team, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is coaching for his job.

The Buccaneers and their offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, have the eighth-ranked scoring offense in the NFL at about 26 points per game. If Saleh can keep the Buccaneers below their scoring average, it would be a minor victory.

What would impress more would be the creation of turnovers, better communication and putting players in position to do what they do best.

None of which seem to take place with any certainty.

Next. Comparing 49ers’ rebuild under Bill Walsh to that of Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch. dark

Saleh needs to out-coach Monken this game and get peak performances from defenders who have thus far regressed.

The 49ers and Buccaneers kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 25 from Raymond James Stadium.