TAMPA, Fla. — Jake Moody made a dramatic comeback after struggling earlier in the game by successfully kicking a 44-yard field goal as time ran out, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. This game marked the return of running back Christian McCaffrey, who was making his season debut.
Moody had been sidelined for three weeks due to a sprained ankle but managed to score field goals of 28 and 33 yards. The defending NFC champions improved their record to 5-4, claiming back-to-back victories for the first time this season. Despite his crucial late-game kick, Moody had a rocky outing as he missed attempts from 49 and 50 yards and had another attempt go wide right before his eventual game-winning kick.
Controversy arose on the sidelines when cameras captured a confrontation between 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel and long snapper Taybor Pepper following Moody’s third missed field goal attempt. It appeared there was some frustration as Samuel approached Moody after the miss.
McCaffrey returned fresh from a long recovery period due to Achilles tendinitis, having last played in early September. He contributed 39 rushing yards on 13 carries and caught six passes for 68 yards during the game, including a 5-yard run on his first play back.
Baker Mayfield directed the Buccaneers (4-6), who have now lost four consecutive matches, setting up a drive that resulted in a tying field goal, aided by three successive personal foul penalties. Mayfield completed 18 of 29 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown.
On the other side, Brock Purdy threw for an impressive 353 yards without an interception, connecting on two touchdown passes: a 46-yard throw to rookie Ricky Pearsall for his first NFL score and an 11-yard pass to George Kittle. Purdy played a crucial role in positioning the team for Moody’s winning kick with key completions to Jauan Jennings and Pearsall.
Pearsall’s return was particularly noteworthy, as he had missed the first six games of the season due to an injury sustained after being shot during an autograph signing in downtown San Francisco. His touchdown occurred when he caught a pass and sprinted towards the sideline, narrowly avoiding a tackle from safety Antoine Winfield Jr. as he extended the ball over the goal line.
The Buccaneers managed to erase an early 10-0 deficit, benefiting from a fumbled punt by 49ers returner Jacob Cowing, which was recovered at the San Francisco 21-yard line, leading to Tampa Bay’s first touchdown. Mayfield connected with Rachaad White on a 9-yard completion, tying the game at 10-10.
Later in the game, rookie Bucky Irving scored on a 12-yard run, putting the Buccaneers ahead 17-13 early in the fourth quarter. Purdy quickly responded, throwing a touchdown pass to Kittle that reclaimed the lead for the 49ers with just over seven minutes left.
In terms of injuries, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa played despite being questionable due to a hip injury incurred during practice. For the Buccaneers, left tackle Tristan Wirfs left the game with a right knee injury in the second quarter and did not return, while cornerback Zyon McCollum (hamstring) and linebacker Chris Braswell (oblique) were sidelined later in the game.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will host the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday, while the Buccaneers will enjoy a bye week.