Word: 49ers
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...FRANCISCO (11-6) at TAMPA BAY (12-4), 1 p.m. ET When we last saw the 49ers, they were bowling over any 300-pound lineman standing near the goal line in the ugly finish to last week's thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Giants. Quarterback Jeff Garcia's blend of brilliant decision-making, flawless execution and sheer athleticism in the fourth quarter was all it took to eke out the one-point victory. The Bucs are used to bringing offenses down to earth, however. Their defense led the NFL in total defense, points allowed and interceptions, and they...
...Factors:: Clearly, the 49ers can't afford to give up 38 points again and expect to win, though that isn't likely to happen against the Bucs' offense, which has improved a little under head coach Jon Gruden, but won't be confused with the 1998 Vikings anytime soon...
...Factors: The Giants have been getting some good kick and punt returns out of Delvin Joyce, but the rest of the special teams for both clubs are anything but. Each team's offense could wind up with good field position after a mistake. The biggest knock on the 49ers is that they lack a killer instinct. So the question is, Are they ready to knock someone in the jaw, or are they best defined as a team whose best player is more concerned about coordinating his touchdown celebration...
...Series History: The 49ers won the season-opener at the Meadowlands, 16-13, for their fifth victory in a row (including playoffs) against Big Blue. The Giants' lone playoff victory in four postseason games at San Francisco came in the 1990 NFL Championship game...
...Pick: Giants 21, 49ers...