Another opponent, another Bucs defensive challenge.
Challenge accepted.
"We need to get off the field and sit over there and drink some Gatorade and let our offense go," Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith said.
This time, the challenge involves an unpredictable quarterback and an up tempo 49ers offense that will keep Tampa Bay defenders on their toes.
"Our depth is going to be tested," Smith said. "We're gonna have to try and get them off the field as quickly as possible and get the ball to our offense. That's the way that you stop that up tempo offense that they run.
"It's important for us to come out and start fast on the offensive side of the ball."
That might be an easy task for the Bucs since they won't have to worry about 49ers running back Carlos Hyde, the NFC's fifth-leading rusher, who is out with a shoulder injury. They will have to worry about Colin Kaepernick and his mobility.
"There's a lot of athletes in the league at quarterback, but not a lot like him," Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "He can gain ground in a hurry. And he's not a quarterback who wastes time making decisions. If he's going to go, he's gone."
The Bucs defense is currently ranked 20th in the league, climbing their way out from the bottom ranks and showing opponents what they're capable of.
"I think that we're making strides," Smith said. "I'm very proud of the way the guys have stepped up."