Tampa Bay's defense put on a show against the San Francisco 49ers in Week Six, accumulating 6.0 sacks and two interceptions in the showdown at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers recorded a sack on 15.4% of dropbacks on Sunday, their third-highest total in a game since the start of the 2024 season. The defensive line and coverage worked in tandem to disrupt Mac Jones in the pocket and wreak havoc on the rhythm of Kyle Shanahan's offense. Bucs' cornerback Jamel Dean put a standout performance on tape against San Francisco.
He recorded his first career sack in Sunday's contest on a corner blitz off the left edge, dropping Mac Jones for an eight-yard loss. On the hit, Dean knocked the ball loose but the 49ers managed to recover the football. He intercepted Jones to record his second interception of the year, which tied for his most in a single season in his career. Todd Bowles dialed up another disguise like he did for Kindle Vildor's interception play. He made it look like Cover One with a single-high safety then rolled the safety for Cover Two, with the corner coming down. Dean read the quarterback and reacted, closing downhill to haul in the catch.
"I was just playing the coverage and then once the ball wasn't out in the first couple of seconds, I just started sinking," said Dean.
That play led to Chase McLaughlin's 45-yard field goal to make it a 30-19 game. Dean spurred the defense and made timely plays to change the trajectory of the Week Six battle. He had a breakout day against the division-leading Niners and showcased his speed to close windows, tracking skills, ability to burst out of breaks and physicality at the line of scrimmage for the sack. With short-area change of direction and recognition on the field, Dean helped set the tone for the Bucs' defense.
