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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 /
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Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Todd Gurley

Both the Bucs and Rams had a breakout rookie on the offensive side of the ball last year. Of course, Tampa Bay’s was quarterback Jameis Winston. For Los Angeles, it was running back Todd Gurley. The former Georgia Bulldog rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, which earned him Rookie of the Year honors.

Although he isn’t off to the hottest start this year (98 yards on 36 carries), Gurley still has the ability to take over a game.  He put up five 100-yard rushing games a year ago, with four of those going for over 130 yards. The Rams are still without a touchdown through two weeks, having kicked three field goals for their only points. A Buccaneer defense that’s eager to rebound from last week should be ready as Los Angeles likely turns to Gurley to get them going.

The Bucs have done fairly well stopping the run this year, holding Atlanta to 52 rushing yards and Arizona to 101. Last year against the Rams, the defense held Gurley to 48 yards on 21 carries. With Case Keenum at quarterback, Tampa Bay’s biggest threat will be Gurley. Whether or not they can stop him on Sunday will definitely determine the final score.

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