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San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Buccaneers in Week 12

By Nicholas McGee

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Breida and Pettis provide bright spots

The crumbs of comfort from Sunday’s showing came courtesy of two players the 49ers hope will be key pieces on the offense for a long time.

Though tight end George Kittle was kept relatively quiet by a defense many expected him to thrive against, running back Matt Breida continued his stellar campaign while rookie receiver Dante Pettis shone for the first time since Week 1.

Breida gashed the Bucs for his second successive 100-yard game, finishing with 140 scrimmage yards, while Pettis produced a superb route to beat Carlton Davis for San Francisco’s sole touchdown as he caught four passes for a career-high 77 yards.

A 1,000-yard season is well within the sights of Breida despite numerous weeks spent battling injuries, and the Niners will hope he can carry his continued excellence into 2019 and form a dangerous backfield duo with Jerick McKinnon.

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Injuries have hampered Pettis from making the impact many anticipated when the 49ers traded up for him in the second round, but if he can deliver more performances akin to Sunday’s, then San Francisco will be able to feel more confident in him being another exciting young piece on an offense that is in considerably better shape than the defense.