BYe BYe - 49ers 21, Bucs 19

The 49ers 2007 season has been over for several weeks now. But I'll give a little credit where credit is due. The team has put together a win streak (what are those?) and Nolan still has the guys playing tough.

Today's game was a hard-hitting, defensive battle with the Niners hanging on to win 21-19 (despite getting outgained 434 to 213) when Michael Clayton's heel came down over the end line. The Bucs quickly realized that having the Niners' pass rushers smack Jeff Garcia around was not worth the risk and basically conceded the game when they put in Luke McCown at the start of the second half. Shaun Hill continues his run of adequate QB play, which should ensure him a couple million dollars and a shot at the starting job next summer in training camp. Frank Gore had another good game and has gone over 1000 yards for the season. Clements had a pick that he returned for 62 yards and celebrated with the Niners Noise drum team afterward. Game ball definitely goes to (guess who?) Patrick "Bam Bam" Willis. 20 tackles, two sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble. Unreal.

However the real story today was the final home game for 49ers legend and eight-time Len Eshmont Award-winner, Bryant Young.

A couple weeks ago, the lone remaining link to the glory years quietly let on that this was going to be his last home game. The tributes have been coming from every corner since then. He will truly be missed. The guy suffered one of the most cataclysmic leg injuries short of Joe Theismann (video of Theismann's injury - So gruesome, it made Lawrence Taylor cry). Fans of other teams will remember that over all else, which is a damn shame. BY was an absolute monster of a defensive tackle.

The Patrick Willis joke about him sacking a QB before the ball was snapped is something BY actually did one time. Against the Bears in 2001, he literally timed the snap so well, he was on top of the QB as soon as the ball was in his hands, forcing and recovering the fumble. He shifted to DE when Nolan came in and tried to implement the 3-4 and has had very productive seasons. He is probably still our best defensive lineman on a weekly basis.

There was an official changing of the guard today. Patrick Willis is the new heart and soul of this defense. But the year he has spent learning from BY is going to be invaluable down the road. Thanks for the memories BY and enjoy our retirement....after taking out the Browns next week.