Buccaneers vs. 49ers: what to watch for in week one matchup

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Real, live football is finally upon us as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take on San Francisco 49ers; here is what to watch for today.

It is finally here! Tampa Bay Buccaneers football is officially back as they are set to welcome former Bucs John Lynch and Kwon Alexander back into Raymond James Stadium with the rest of the San Francisco 49ers. There will be storylines galore to follow in this game as the Buccaneers enter the 2019 season with more hope as they have had over the past five years.

Bruce Arians is set to make his debut as the head coach in Tampa Bay, bringing with him his star-studded staff of Todd Bowles and Byron Leftwich at defensive and offensive coordinator respectively. Did general manger Jason Licht get the hire right, or did he have much say in the hire after Arians went on to take most of his power?

All of the drama of the offseason regarding Gerald McCoy, Ndamukong Suh, and the number 93 no longer matters as they pewter and red will take the field and the cannons will fire today. Ahead of the 4:25pm kickoff in Tampa, here are four elements of today’s game to watch for as the Buccaneers hope to take home a win against the 49ers.

Schedule