The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers vs Rams: Five Game-Changing Players

By Bailey Adams

Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and teammates runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and teammates runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Lavonte David

Lavonte David has been one of the most consistent linebackers in the league over the last few years, but hasn’t been the same through the first two weeks of this season. He totaled eight tackles in week one, but was overshadowed by Kwon Alexander. Last week in Arizona, he finished with no tackles for the first time in his career.

More from The Pewter Plank

He should be out for a big rebound game this week as the Bucs face one of the top young running backs in the NFL. With the lack of a consistent passing game, the Rams haven’t been able to boast a balanced offensive attack. As a result, they have averaged just 64.5 yards per game on the ground through the first two weeks. It will be up to David and the rest of Tampa Bay’s front seven to keep that going.

The Bucs are one of just three teams in the league without a defensive takeaway through two weeks. That needs to change this week, and David has a good shot to lead the charge. With increasing focus on Kwon Alexander, David might be getting overlooked. If he can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, the Bucs’ secondary will be poised to come up with its first interception of the year. Or, David himself could come up with a fumble or pick as he has been known to do throughout his career.

Home/Bucs News