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What Went Right, Wrong For Bucs

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 23, 2007

First Quarter: Bucs 6, 49ers 0

WHAT WENT RIGHT FOR BUCS: QB Jeff Garcia was sharp from the outset, hitting eight of his first 10 passes for 111 yards, including tight end Alex Smith four times for 49 yards.

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR BUCS: The offense marched the ball down the field on its two possessions but was forced to settle for two Matt Bryant field goals, from 34 and 22 yards.

Second Quarter: Bucs 13, 49ers 7

WHAT WENT RIGHT FOR BUCS: The offense was able to capitalize on the first of two 49ers turnovers in San Francisco territory in the quarter, with Jeff Garcia hitting Jerramy Stevens on a 24-yard strike to cap the 36-yard drive.

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR BUCS: After forcing back-to-back three-and-outs to start the game, the defense allowed Shaun Hill to direct a 72-yard scoring drive, capped by Tampa native Darrell Jackson's 21-yard TD reception.

Third Quarter: 49ers 14, Bucs 13

WHAT WENT RIGHT FOR BUCS: Trying to protect his starters from injury with the playoffs two weeks away, Coach Jon Gruden emptied his bench on both sides of the ball, giving it the feel of a preseason game.

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR BUCS: Backup QB Luke McCown's fumble deep in his own territory set up the 49ers' go-ahead score. The 14-yard drive also was aided by Gaines Adams' roughing-the-passer penalty.

Fourth Quarter: 49ers 21, Bucs 19

WHAT WENT RIGHT FOR BUCS: Luke McCown gave the Bucs a chance by directing an eight-play, 61-yard scoring drive, hitting Jerramy Stevens on a 24-yard scoring pass with 1:20 to go to pull Tampa Bay within two at 21-19.

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR BUCS: Needing to convert the 2-point conversion to tie it at 21, McCown found an open Michael Clayton in the back of the end zone. But Clayton wasn't able to get both feet down, keeping it 21-19.

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