Buccaneers vs. 49ers: 5 Halftime Adjustments for the Bucs

In a matchup of two promising three-win teams, it's all San Francisco in the first half with the 49ers leading 24-3. The Niners have truly dominated all three phases of the game through 30 minutes.

Here are five adjustments the Bucs can make to help them come back in the second period. 

1. Slow down 49ers’ momentum

From a 26-yard Delanie Walker TD to a 31-yard TD return from cornerback Carlos Rogers, the Niners are doing a great job making the big plays on both sides of the ball. The Bucs defense needs to make some big plays of its own to slow down the 49ers attack and take the rowdy red-and-gold fans out of it.

 2. Adjust to an unexpected game plan

What happened to 49ers smash-mouth football? Gore has been a non-factor so far, and Alex Smith has looked more and more confident with each throw that he makes. Though the Bucs’ run defense has been great the last two weeks, they need to back off the line a bit and realize that, although it may be hard to believe, Smith can beat them through the air.

3. Let LeGarrette Loose

It’s not like the Bucs have gone away from their feature RB, but Blount could have used some more first half carries – particularly when he’s averaging over three yards a carry and Josh Freeman is airing out some questionable passes. If LeGarrette can break out for a big run, the Bucs could ease the pressure on Freeman and swing the momentum back in their favor. Somebody on the line needs to hold Patrick Willis in check for this to happen.   

4. Don’t force the deep pass                                 

After nearly being picked off trying to find Arrelious Benn on a first-quarter deep ball, Freeman forced another long one and got burned by INT-specialist Carlos Rogers. It’s no secret that the 49ers secondary is less than ideal, but going away from the reliable short game is not doing the Bucs any favors.

5. Take aim on tackles                                              

How many tackles have the Bucs missed in the first half? The 49ers are killing the Bucs after making receptions, breaking out for big runs after coming down with the ball. The defense needs to take down Alex Smith’s targets as soon as the pigskin is in their hands.