The Tampa Bay Buccaneers absorbed a deflating 35-7 loss in San Francisco on Sunday and in the process saw their lead in the NFC South shrink to just one game over both the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. With a Wild Card berth improbable, it is essentially a division title or bust, and there are only four more weeks to sort out that race. For the Buccaneers, that includes a Week 17 game at home against Carolina and a Week 18 season finale in Altanta.
That means, obviously, there is no time to waste, and Head Coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday's game that the team has to come to a conclusion fast on how it is going to handle the next four weeks.
"We have to decide what kind of team we want to be," said Bowles. "We can't be one set of Bucs and another set of Bucs. It has to mean something. We have a one game lead with four games to go. Either we want it or we don't. … So as a team, as a group, we have to buckle down and we have to decide what our fate is in the next few weeks."
What the Buccaneers would definitely like to be is a team that can produce points closer to the level it did over the previous two seasons, when it led the NFL with 30.4 points per game. Given the extensive changes in offensive personnel in 2022, not the least of it the result of injuries to the offensive line, the Bucs are unlikely to rediscover that 30-point magic on a weekly basis, but they certainly believe they can wring more than 17.2 points per game out of their not-insigificant amount of talent.
View the top photos of Tampa Bay's Week 14 matchup vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Guard Nick Leverett #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - \14 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Scotty Miller #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 and Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Helmet before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Running Back Ke'Shawn Vaughn #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Running Back Giovani Bernard #25 and Running Back Rachaad White #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Offensive Tackle Josh Wells #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Guard Shaq Mason #69 and Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Lineman Patrick O'Connor #79 and Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Lineman Akiem Hicks #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the field before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Julio Jones #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Safety Logan Ryan #26 and Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Inside Linebacker Devin White #45, and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Guard Shaq Mason #69, Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70, Quarterback Tom Brady #12, and Guard Nick Leverett #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Outside Linebacker Carl Nassib #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Julio Jones #6 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Safety Nolan Turner #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14, Quarterback Tom Brady #12, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, and Wide Receiver Russell Gage #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Trent Williams after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Christian McCaffrey after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Carlton Davis #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Offensive Tackle Josh Wells #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Running Back Giovani Bernard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 and Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneerscbefore the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Punter Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight Ends Coach John Van Dam, Tight End Cameron Brate #84, Tight End Ko Kieft #41 and Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Punter Jake Camarda #5, Kicker Ryan Succop #3 and Long Snapper Zach Triner #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Carlton Davis #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #7 and Guard Nick Leverett #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches #56, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 and Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Carlton Davis #24 and Safety Keanu Neal #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27, Outside Linebacker Carl Nassib #94 and Wide Receiver Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Julio Jones #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Julio Jones #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Defensive Lineman Akiem Hicks #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Guard Nick Leverett #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Russell Gage #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Wide Receiver Russell Gage #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Kicker Ryan Succop #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Running Back Leonard Fournette #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
SANTA CLARA, CA - December 11, 2022 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 35-7. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On Monday, Bowles was asked if he was confident there were adjustments that can be made to make the Bucs more productive on offense for the stretch run.
"Yeah, I do," he repliaed. "I mean, we missed some plays yesterday on offense. We got some penalties on offense, same thing on defense. We can make enough tweaks to where we feel like we're close enough that we can score some points."
The most glaring missed opportunity, of course, was the beautiful 68-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Mike Evans that was erased by a holding penalty. Brady also felt as if he made a poor throw to Evans on a fourth-and-goal pass from the 49ers' eight-yard line in the second quarter, and a promising deep shots to Julio Jones and Scotty Miller just missed making a connection.
The Buccaneers, of course, still have Brady at the helm, and there have been instances over the past two seasons where the offense has jelled, overcome struggles and been able to catch fire. Brady still possesses the intensity and will to win that have made him the NFL's most decorated champion of all time. Coaches like Bowles, Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich and Quarterbacks Coach Clyde Christensen obviously welcome his input on how to get the offense into gear in time to make this season count.
"Well, it's a collaboration," said Bowles. "It's a collaboration with Clyde, Tom, some of the receivers as well, trying to get the right plays in that he likes, the things that Byron likes and then meshing it together. It's been like that since he's been here."
As Bowles noted on Sunday night, it's too late in the season to affect any sweeping changes to the offensive system. But slight adjustments happen throughout the season as a result of injuries and discovering what works best and who can be relied upon to make big plays. The offense already looks different than it did earlier in the season. Rookie running back Rachaad White is now sharing snaps very evenly with Leonard Fournette, rookie tight end Cade Otton is getting involved in the passing game more extensively and Brady is spreading the ball around to a lot of different pass-catchers. Six different Bucs had at least four catches in San Franciso; four different players had six or more grabs the week before in the win over New Orleans.
"It's a little different," said Bowles. "Rachaad is involved a little bit more, obviously. We've got the running game going a little bit better, not as much as we want it to be. It's a little bit more and it's spread out; we're trying to spread the ball around some. There's been some injuries taking place since then so the line looks a little bit different as well. But for the most point, we've got to score more points, we understand that."
Are the Buccaneers a playoff team in 2022? Will they land consecutive division titles for the first time in franchise history? They have four weeks to decide. Finding some answers to unlock the offense's scoring potential would go a long way toward providing the right answer.
