-Linebacker Patrick Willis probably had the quote of the day when he said, “You all write about it, we have to live it.”

-There were no delusions in the locker room, no talk of playoffs. Here’s tight end Delaine Walker: “We had our game plan set, the coaches told us what was going to happen. They did it and we just didn’t pick up like we should have.” Walker said the offense just inexplicably lost momentum.

-I spent a fair amount of time in the Bucs locker and talked to r

unning back LeGarrette Blount. He was very close to signing with the 49ers, but then at the last moment signed with Tennessee. Blount said the Titans simply gave him a better offer. The Titans cut him and then he signed with Tampa Bay. Blount gained 82 tough yards on 26 carries, including big hit on linebacker Parys Haralson. Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Rudd said when he heard the huge thud while on the sideline, he stood up to see the replay of the big screen.

-Bucs linebacker Niko Koutouvides said he knew when the 49ers were going to pass and when Troy Smith was going to roll out by tells given away by the offensive and Frank Gore.