SAN FRANCISCO -- Although both teams played without their top quarterbacks, the 49ers' fourth-string special-teams cowboy was better than the Buccaneers' top backup when it mattered most.

Cody Pickett led his first NFL scoring drive a few moments after tackling a punt returner, and San Francisco snapped a five-game losing streak with a 15-10 win against punchless Tampa Bay yesterday.

Joe Nedney kicked five field goals, including a 28-yarder with 1:56 left to end the deciding drive led by Pickett, who performed admirably in the final 11 minutes while Ken Dorsey and Alex Smith were out with injuries.

Pickett, the fourth-stringer before Tim Rattay was traded to Tampa Bay last week, took a job on special teams this season to get on the field. But when the 49ers got down to their last quarterback, Pickett literally wore two hats -- and though Chris Simms only had one helmet, he couldn't stop the 49ers from equaling last season's win total.

"You never know if you're going to play, but I had both of my helmets ready," Pickett said. "I was only a small part of this one, but, hopefully, I gave us a boost there at the end."

Pickett has endeared himself to his teammates with his special-teams adventures. He tackled punt returner Mark Jones 32 seconds before he stepped behind center.

"I was running out on the field, and I saw Ken limping off," Pickett said. "I knew I might need my other helmet."

That's the one with the wireless connection to offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy; only quarterbacks are allowed to wear those helmets. After Dorsey's left ankle was sprained, Pickett marched the 49ers 42 yards in 11 plays to Nedney's last field goal."

The 49ers' defense shut down Tampa two more times to clinch it. San Francisco won with just 208 yards of offense, 101 yards rushing from Kevan Barlow.

Joey Galloway caught eight passes for 149 yards for the Buccaneers (5-2), who began the day with the NFC's best record.

Their defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone, but Simms was as terrible in their first game since quarterback Brian Griese was lost for the season with torn knee ligaments.