Buccaneers vs. 49ers takeaways: Finally, it all comes together

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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks off a pass intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone for a touchback in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

DeSean Jackson, Winston not on the same page

It’s time to give up on the DeSean Jackson and Winston connection. Winston doesn’t have the accuracy down the field to get him the ball. Jackson was targeted eight times, but only caught three passes for 19 yards.

This is no longer a fluke or an issue with small sample size, Jackson looks like a different player with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. He is virtually useless with Winston in charge.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Winston has tremendous chemistry with Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate. Plus, Chris Godwin is a budding star. With Jackson out of the picture, Tampa has plenty of options to fill his void.

The ‘DJAX’ experiment didn’t pan out; it is time to part ways at the end of the year.

Turnover streak snapped

For the first time in eight games, the Buccaneers forced a turnover. It only took a third-string, rookie quarterback to make a mistake.

Late in the fourth quarter, the 49ers were driving down the field, trying to claw back into the ball game. San Francisco quarterback Nick Mullens threw the ball deep into the end zone, but veteran cornerback and special teams ace made a terrific play on the ball for an interception.

It was Smith’s first pick in his career and the team’s first takeaway in what equates to half a season. A drive later, second-year safety Isaiah Johnson picked off Mullens to put a fork in the 49ers.

Tampa Bay finally got the monkey off of its back.

Next. 10 potential Buccaneers head coaching candidates. dark

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