Niners' Mullens Takes His Act on the Road

Quarterback Nick Mullens has performed well in his first two starts for the 49ers, but both games have been at Levi’s Stadium. Now, he gets his first road start Sunday in Tampa, Fla., against the Bucs.

It actually may be a welcoming place, thanks to the holes in the Tampa Bay defense.

The Bucs’ pass defense has been horrid, allowing a league-high passer rating of 124.9, notes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. The Bucs are allowing 32.9 points per game, the worst in the league, have intercepted just one pass in 10 games and are on pace to allow 526 points this season, which would be the second most in league history.

Yet Mullens sees a team with NFL players, not a patsy.

“I definitely can’t underestimate them,” Mullens told Branch. “I’m definitely in no position to underestimate them.”

Certainly, Mullens is the underdog. An undrafted free agent in 2017, he’s only playing because of injuries to Jimmy Garoppolo and C.J. Beathard. Though Beathard is healthy, Mullens has the job – for now.

Over his two starts – a win and a loss – Mullens has completed 70.5 percent of his throws, has a 104 passer rating and has four touchdown passes against two interception.

Mullens said he’s eager for his first test in an opponent’s stadium.

“That definitely is a big challenge,” Mullens said Wednesday. “I haven’t played on the road yet. But I think this team is excited. It’s important we start fast. It’s important for me to keep my same mindset. Don’t let the environment impact the way you play.”

Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, was Mullen’s head coach at Southern Mississippi for three seasons, so he knows what his former quarterback can do.

“He’s a special kid and a special player,” Monken said after Mullens’ debut, a victory over the Raiders on Nov. 1. “There’s no other way around it. We wouldn’t have had the success we had at Southern Miss without him. He embodies everything you want in a player (and) leader. He’s mentally tough. I knew the moment wouldn’t faze him. They did a great job of game planning for him, and couldn’t be more thrilled for him.”

Oddsmakers have made the 3-7 Bucs 3-point favorites for Sunday’s game against the 2-8 49ers. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. (Bay Area time).