Niners Knocked Out For Sixth Straight Week

San Francisco's run defense is again no match for an opponent, as Tampa Bay cruises to a 34-17 victory

Different week, same story.

The 49ers on Sunday lost their sixth straight game and second in a row at home, 34-17, this time to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And, in a replay of every game since Week 2, an opposing running back had a big game, slicing through the inept Niners defense. This time it was Jaquizz Rodgers, who averaged nearly 6 yards per carry in piling up 154 yards on the ground for the Bucs, who improved to 3-3.

Tampa Bay’s offense, led by Rodgers and quarterback Jameis Winston, outgained the 49ers 513-273, averaging 7.0 yards every time they snapped the ball. The Bucs also kept the ball much longer (33:49 to 26:11) and won the turnover battle, 3-1.

The 49ers run defense, which came into the game dead last in the NFL, gave up 249 yards on the ground. And, after seven games, the 49ers have a chance at this pace to allow the most yards rushing in a season in the NFL since 1981, when the Patriots gave up 184.4 yards per game. San Francisco went into Sunday’s game giving up 174.5 per game. The 49ers are giving up more than 30 yards per game more on the ground than the next worst team, the Browns (139.9).

The 49ers have now lost six straight games for the first time since 2008.

The game started out looking as if the 49ers would finally get back into the win column. On their initial possession, they drove 75 yards on just five plays, with Mike Davis scoring on a 4-yard run. The 49ers added another TD later in the first quarter, on Colin Kaepernick’s 17-yard flip to Shaun Draughn. Going into the second quarter, San Francisco was up 14-0.

From that point, however, it was all Bucs, who roared back to lead 17-14 at the half, then added two TDs and a field goal in the final two periods.

Kaepernick had an up-and-down day, similar to the kinds of games turned in by Blaine Gabbert before he was benched. Kaepernick was 16-of-34 for 143 yards, with one TD and one interception, and was sacked four times. He did, however, lead his team in rushing with 84 yards on just nine carries.

He wasn’t helped by a thin and suspect corps of wide receivers. Starter Torrey Smith had just one catch, Jeremy Kerley two and Quinton Patton had three – but for just 13 yards.

The 49ers now get some extra time to rest and try to regroup, with a bye this coming Sunday. Their next game is Nov. 6 when they play host to the New Orleans Saints.

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