It was over when ...
Buccaneers receiver Michael Clayton came down with his left foot out of bounds at the back of the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt with just over a minute left to preserve the 49ers' victory.
Highlights:L.T. | Haynesworth
TDs: Where does Hasselbeck rank?
INTs: Where does Springs rank?
Game balls
The choice is clear in this contest as San Francisco's Patrick Willis showed why he is the leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The playmaking linebacker finished with 20 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble and disrupted Tampa Bay's offense every time the Bucs seemed to be threatening.
Key stat
Though the Bucs outgained the 49ers 367-116 through the air, they were 0-for-2 in the red zone, while the Niners were 1-for-1. That minor advantage proved to be the difference in a game determined by a razor-thin margin.
Noteworthy
San Francisco defensive tackle Bryant Young -- the franchise's last connection to its **Super Bowl XXIX championship team** -- was carried onto the field by his teammates after the game. Young announced he was retiring earlier this week and this was his final home game. ... Tampa Bay wide receiver Maurice Stovall was carted off in the second quarter with an arm injury. Bucs DE Greg White also limped off with an injury. ... With the NFC South title already wrapped up, the Bucs took out most of their starters in the second half.