Top players the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to watch against the 49ers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter this game against the 49ers with what could be described as a “must win” mentality. The Bucs are 4-5, and although their schedule becomes more open after the bye week, a loss would leave them two games under .500 and would be grim news for a possible Wild Card playoff spot.

However, it won’t be easy for the Bucs to get a win. The 49ers have one of the best offenses in the league and also a strong defense. The Bucs won’t be fooled by their 4-4 record and will need to be at their best if they want to pull off an upset at home. Running back Christian McCaffrey returns for the first time this season and has had tremendous performances against the Bucs in the past with 256 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.

Besides McCaffrey, the 49ers are loaded with talent on both ends. Here are the top players on both sides of the 49ers roster that the Bucs need to watch out for on Sunday.

RB Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey is recovering from injury but is still a concern when healthy, which he appears to finally be this season. His versatility as a runner and pass catcher makes him a dangerous weapon to prepare for, and a team needs to be aware of that whenever he steps on the field. Along with his speed and agility, McCaffrey has tremendous vision and awareness and is difficult to defeat. His high football IQ allows him to quickly read defenses and react accordingly, making him a threat all over the field. Simply put, he’s a problem.

LT Trent Williams

I could go on and on about how dominant Trent Williams is and how he is probably the best left tackle to ever play the game, but I’ll just let Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs tell you.

“Trent Williams is a freak of nature,” Wirfs said. “It was built in a laboratory. The things he does are crazy… Seeing how fast he moves, his second-level blocking – that’s what everyone is trying to do. All the tackles are trying to do what he does. I would.” He’s the No. 1 player in the NFL because he’s so fun to watch play.

WR Deebo Samuel

Samuel is a versatile chess piece for the 49ers. His ability to generate yards after the catch is second only to his excellent route running and ability to create separation. He’s not afraid to regularly get physical over the middle to make plays. He catches hard in traffic and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty while blocking. His ability to be utilized in the running game adds an extra layer to an already potent offense.

OLB Nick Bosa

Bosa is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. His speed, power and impressive arsenal of pass-rush moves allow him to penetrate the backfield at will. He plays with solid technique and leverage, and his tireless motor and work ethic for studying opponents shines through when he routinely gets the best out of his opponents.

LB Fred Warner

Warner is one of the best inside linebackers in the league. As a tackling machine, his ability to diagnose, read and react to plays is among the best in the NFL. Warner is adept against the run, equally good in coverage and must be held accountable on every play. He leads the 49ers in tackles with 66 and has two interceptions, one sack and four forced fumbles this season.

CB Deommodore Lenoir

Lenoir was extremely impressive this season in the final year of his rookie contract. The former fifth-round pick has three interceptions this year and has the versatility both inside and outside to be a consistent weapon for the Niners this season. Lenoir has the speed to keep up with faster, more skilled receivers, but is also a strong tackler who will emerge in run support. He is second on the team with 46 tackles and also has a forced fumble.

The 49ers are a complete team with playmakers at every level of defense. Offensively, they can beat you in a variety of ways and their versatility across skill positions is among the best in the league. George Kittle is having an All-Pro season at tight end, running back Jordan Mason is fifth in the league in rushing and receiver Jauan Jennings has been a playmaker for the Niners’ offense. With all their talent, it’s easy to see why San Francisco remains one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in the NFC.

READ MORE: ESPN analyst makes midseason playoff prediction for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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