Behind Enemy Lines: Entering 49ers territory

Alex Hoegler
Updated
Behind Enemy Lines
Behind Enemy Lines

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Colin Kaepernick will try to re-create his legend, while the Bucs search for their second-straight win.

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I had the chance to talk to Steve Rivera, the 49ers managing editor at Cover32. Have a look at our preview for the game this Sunday.

Alex: Is switching to Colin Kaepernick the right choice? Why/why not?

Steve: Switching to Kaepernick was only a matter of time for two reason; 1. Gabbert and the offense had flatlined. 2. The organization needed to find out what they had or did not in Kap. Neither is “long” for the other as both won’t have a relationship after this season. Kelly knew what he had at QB going into 2016. Eyes are likely on 2017.

Alex: The 49ers only have one win this year. What positive things have come out?

Steve: The one loss against LA looks like an anomaly. The Rams weren’t that bad, and the 49ers weren’t that good. 1-5 hasn’t yielded many positives except that the 49ers have cut their losses with Gabbert.

Alex: Why do Chip Kelly’s 49ers pose a challenge this week?

Steve: As for whatever challenges this week, look for Chip Kelly to figure out what he has in Colin Kaepernick. If 1-5 offers a silver lining, it may be that Kelly steps “outside the box”. That may allow him to add something to a playbook that hasn’t done much.

Alex: Key matchup?

Steve: Both defenses are porous. Rushing totals might be something to watch as the game wears on.

Alex: Score?

Steve:

As for a final score, I keep thinking the 49ers have to win a game. Maybe Kap finds something he realizes was missing last week, or maybe being at home helps them win. Typically, the teams traveling to the opposite coasts find themselves at a disadvantage. After 5 losses, I like the 49ers to finally get it together.

San Francisco 28

Tampa 24

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