If you were looking for a perfect illustration of what’s gone wrong with the 49ers, a special-teams play near the start of the second half Sunday provided it.
Down 17-14 to Tampa Bay, the 49ers came out in the third quarter with some spirit, and their defense forced a three-and-out. But on the ensuing punt, when Jeremy Kerley called for a fair catch, gunner Aaron Burbridge ran smack into him.
The punt was muffed. Tampa Bay recovered. And the Buccaneers kicked a field goal to extend their lead — and deflate the 49ers once again.