Mayfield leads Bucs past 49ers

Baker Mayfield’s heroics came early in the fourth quarter instead of the final minutes.

- WIRE REPORTS

CHRIS O'MEARA Associated Press

TAMPA BAY RECEIVER Tez Johnson pulls in a touchdown pass against San Francisco on Sunday.

Mayfield threw two touchdown passes and had a spectacular scramble to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the San Francisco 49ers 30-19 on Sunday.

After winning four games with scores in the last minute, the Buccaneers (5-1) didn’t need a late comeback.

Up 20-19 early in the fourth, the Buccaneers faced a third and 14 at their 41. Mayfield ducked away from a sack in the pocket, escaped another defender, scrambled out of trouble, eluded more tackles and dove headfirst, stretching the ball to get a first down on third and 14.

A few plays later, Mayfield connected with Tez Johnson on a 45-yard touchdown pass down the middle to give the 49ers a 27-19 lead. Johnson made an outstretched leaping catch and the rookie celebrated his first career touchdown with an acrobatic flip.

The 49ers (4-2) were driving for a potential tying score when Mac Jones threw an interception to Jamel Dean on fourth and five from the Buccaneers’ 33 with just under six minutes left.

The turnover led to Chase McLaughlin's 45-yard field goal that extended the Buccaneers’ lead to 30-19.

Playing through knee and oblique injuries, Jones threw for 347 yards with two picks.