The San Francisco 49ers look like a team determined to put a death grip on the sixth and final playoff seed in the NFC. The Niners overpowered the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 33-14, winning their fourth consecutive game.
Here's what we learned:
- Some teams would be due for a letdown performance after an emotional last-second win over the rival Seattle Seahawks last week. Instead, San Francisco took care of business in decisive fashion. The 49ers have won at least 10 games in all three seasons under Jim Harbaugh. They remain something of an overlooked giant in the league's playoff landscape.
- Mike Glennon wasn't flawless, but his performance represented a substantial upgrade over his previous two games. He led the Bucs on two impressivetouchdown drives, ending both with scoring passes. The Bucs will have something to hold onto going into the offseason if Glennon can finish strong.
- With all due respect to Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis is playing tight end at a higher level than anyone in the game right now. His 52-yard touchdown catch was a thing of beauty. Humans that big aren't supposed to move that well.
- Greg Schiano could have saved his job with a win Sunday. Instead, Tampa Bay fell to 4-10 with road matchups at St. Louis and New Orleans to close out the season. Schiano's chances of survival might come down to winning one of those games ... or perhaps both.
- Another promising week for Michael Crabtree, who showed impressive quickness in shaking free for a 4-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. He later got behind the defense on a deep route, though he was overthrown by Colin Kaepernick. Crabtree has proven Achilles surgery won't stop him from being a factor down the stretch.
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