The Monday Night Hangover has bitten the Bucs hard as the San Francisco 49ers have built a 24-3 half-time lead.
Bucs QB Josh Freeman is struggling, completing just 10 of 22 passes for 108 yards and 2 interceptions. He was lucky to not have two more picks as he continued to try to force passes into double coverage.
He’s not getting any help from his receivers, who’ve dropped several passes.
Meanwhile, without Gerald McCoy (who left the game with an injury to his ankle), the 49ers have been carving up the Bucs’ defense. Frank Gore has 59 yards rushing and a touchdown while Alex Smith has been efficient, completing 6-for-10 for 92 yards and a score.
San Francisco has the advantage in yardage 174 to 145 but the story of the game has been the turnovers.
Carlos Rogers’ pick six got the Niners rolling to a 14-3 advantage, then another interception by Chris Culliver gave San Francisco excellent field position.
Frank Gore would add to the lead five plays later.
A Ted Ginn, Jr. return would set up another 49ers field goal.
Josh Freeman does have 8 come from behind victories in his short NFL career, but a 21 point deficit might be a tall challenge.