The Pewter Plank joint Buccaneers predictions vs. Rams
By Cory Kinnan
![CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a4b06c85a25ff188e31080ed15293c05b4960f6aa9ccb87cf90f9b7d5ba12f98.jpg)
Jacob Holley (@JakeHolleyMedia)
The Buccaneers need a huge game at O-Line to keep up with the Rams’ stellar defense.
The Rams are currently third in the league in total defense per game and fifth in passing yards per game. However, their run defense ranks 22nd in the league through three games. If the Buccaneers want to have a chance at upsetting the Rams in Pasadena, they will have to get the run game going.
Being uber-productive on the ground might not be quite as huge of an undertaking for the Bucs as it may have been in recent years. Tampa Bay is currently eighth in the league in rushing yards, averaging 121.7 yards per game so far. Ronald Jones II seems to be poised to take over the majority of running back duties, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
If the Buccaneers want to upset the Rams, the gameplan should revolve around running the ball efficiently to set up the pass while limiting mistakes, especially by Jameis Winston. Winston will have to play a solid game to support his offense’s efforts.
Defensively, the Buccaneers will have to slow down the Rams’ seventh ranked rushing attack anchored by Todd Gurley, who is coming off of a 97-yard game against the Panthers in which he averaged a seaon-high 6.7 yards per carry.
It’s not impossible for the Bucs to pull off a win at the LA Memorial Coliseum, but they will have to play their best football all year to come out on top.