Buccaneers Road to Playoffs: Looking Ahead

Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

OBSTACLE NUMBER TWO: ST. LOUIS RAMS

Next team to beat comes the St Louis Rams who are currently riding a five game losing streak! This game will not be a hand me game because no game in the NFL is, that’s just how it works. Although, I do believe that the Buccaneers have way more talent than the Rams and should bring the momentum of beating the Saints to a primetime game where it shouldn’t be hard to get motivated.

Ok first reason I think the Buccaneers take this one is because of the advantage we have at quarterback. I am one of those guys that believe that quarterback is the most important position on the field and we definitely get a big check mark next to our name when it comes to QB. Winston has been improving every week and has put the league on notice. He is a leader on the field and in the locker room and I am not sure if anyone wants the playoffs more than Jameis Winston. He has already shown time and time again that he will do whatever it takes to get the W and that is what I love about the Buccaneers quarterback. On the flip side, the Rams quarterback situation has been in a flux between Nick Foles and Case Keenum. This week, Case Keenum has been named the starter and I don’t see them flipping back when they play us so lets assume he will be the guy we are facing..Keenum has only started one game this season but doesn’t exactly scare you with his previous play. This will be a clear advantage for the Buccaneers and is a big one.

Second reason is the streaks, if the Buccaneers win this week like I predict that will be 5 out of the last 7 games we would win which is very impressive for a Buccaneers team that is used to being on the wrong side of streaks. We have already mentioned the Rams current five game losing streak and they have been playing some terrible football in those games. I look for both streaks to continue their current routes for both teams in this game.

Last reason is their main and basically only weapon outside of Tavon Austin on offense, Todd Gurley, has been struggling as of late despite his incredible success he was having when he first started. Why you say? Teams have figured out he is the only weapon and the pass game is not a threat at all and have completely stacked the box and let their corners man up with their mediocre receiving core. I think the Buccaneers will take a similar approach with their improved secondary play. If they didn’t match up good already, the Buccaneers have one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL (7th in the league).

After this game hopefully we are already in the wild card due to a Seattle loss or two Viking or Packers losses but if not the momentum will still be there for the Buccaneers heading to Chicago to face Lovie Smith’s old team, the Bears!

Next: Obstacle to Playoffs #3 Chicago Bears