Galloway Provides Lone Big Play
The Tampa Tribune, published 1 November 2005

This time, Joey Galloway didn't wait until third down. Tampa Bay's veteran WR entered Sunday's game leading the league in third-down receiving yardage and Galloway was responsible for the game's only touchdown as the 49ers upset the Bucs, 15-10. With the listless 11-point favorites trailing 12-3 and craving a spark, Galloway turned a short pass from Chris Simms into a breathtaking 78-yard score early in the fourth quarter. "That play was rejuvenating for us," Bucs CB Brian Kelly said of Galloway's first-down catch and run. "What a great individual effort on Joey's part. I haven't seen anybody run that fast in a long time."

Galloway, who turns 34 in three weeks, spun away from CB Bruce Thornton at the Bucs' 25 and raced down the right sideline past jubilant teammates. He finished with eight receptions for 149 yards as the switch from Brian Griese to Simms failed to curtail his production. "I'm still the fastest guy around," said Galloway, who posted his 500th NFL reception in the second quarter. "If a safety takes a bad angle, I'll make him pay."

Not enough defense
Although the 49ers converted only two of 16 on third down and failed to reach the end zone, Tampa Bay's defense took its share of the blame for Sunday's shocking setback. The Bucs failed to register a sack or a takeaway against the NFL's 31st-ranked offense as San Francisco relied on five Joe Nedney field goals. "We didn't play well enough to win as a team," said Pro Bowl LB Derrick Brooks, who led all players with nine tackles. "We're not worried about our offense. We have to tackle better, starting next week against Carolina."

Tampa Bay's league-leading defense suffered a late first-half lapse that cost the Bucs three points. The 49ers appeared content to run out the clock with 11 seconds remaining, but Kevan Barlow dashed 29 yards off left end, the longest run allowed by the NFL's stingiest rushing defense this season. Nedney's ensuing kick from 47 yards put the 49ers ahead 6-3, and Barlow finished with 101 yards on 26 carries. "That's just a bad play and it's not indicative of this defense," Brooks said of Barlow's long run. "That never should have happened. Now, we have to forget about this game on the long ride home. This is a league full of lessons each week."

No team had rushed for more than 91 yards against Tampa Bay in 2005, and the Bucs slipped to 2-16 since 2001 when allowing a 100-yard rusher.

Kicking marvel
Brooks marveled at Nedney's performance, saying he has been hurting the Bucs for as long as Brooks can remember. The 32-year-old veteran set a career mark with his five FGs, including kicks of 45, 47, 41 and 46 yards. "I welcome the soreness," said Nedney, who missed a 39-yard attempt in the final minute. "It's nice to get out there and do something. They kept getting me in range and I just kept knocking them through, and that was the difference."

While the 49ers kept Nedney busy, Matt Bryant made one of his two FG tries for the Bucs. Bryant converted from 47 yards out to briefly tie the score at 3, but his 52-yard attempt early in the fourth quarter fell short, leaving him 11-for-13 on the year.

Team notes
Dewayne White started at RDE in place of Simeon Rice, who was inactive, along with injured S Dexter Jackson, FB Rick Razzano, T Chris Colmer, C Scott Jackson, TE Nate Lawrie, WR J.R. Russell and Tim Rattay, who served as the third QB behind Simms and Luke McCown.

Ex-Bucs T Derrick Deese, who has filed a grievance against the organization concerning his foot injury, was seen chatting amiably with Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen before the game. Deese spent the final frantic minutes standing near the Bucs' bench.

The 49ers won despite throwing for only 50 yards and finishing with as many punts (nine) as first downs.

Sunday’s loss extended the Bucs’ struggles in San Francisco. The Bucs have lost their last seven road games against the 49ers, with their last win in San Francisco coming on October 26, 1980. Overall, Tampa Bay is 1-10 in road games against the 49ers.