The Pewter Plank joint Buccaneers predictions vs. Rams

Cody Haynes (@codyh33)

Let me start off by saying that the Buccaneers should be 2-1, if not 3-0 right now; they have beaten themselves more than their opponents have beaten them. You can’t necessarily blame them; this is a young team with an all new coaching staff.

The Bucs have a very much improved defense with the help of Todd Bowles’ new scheme that is nearly impossible for opposing quarterbacks to read. The Buccaneers also have a “no risk it“ attacking offense. Even though the Bruce Arians offense is all about slinging the ball down field and hoping for the best (which is perfect for Jameis Winston), they have been running the ball well.

Both running backs Peyton barber and Ronald Jones are top twenty in rushing yards. Yes, of course it’s only week 4, but it’s something to be excited about. The Buccaneers new defense has struggled, but for the most part, they all look very much improved from last year, especially in rushing defense. The Buccaneers haven’t let any running backs rush for over 100 yards; that includes arguably the NFLs two top running backs, Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.

The Rams are picking up right where they left off last year as they are 3-0 and I’m sure they have in their heads that they will walk away with an easy win this weekend. Sean McVay is on his third year as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams and ever since he was hired, this Rams team keeps getting better and better.

The Buccaneers haven’t faced an offense as good as the Rams yet and they also haven’t faced a defense as good as the Rams defense yet. Aaron Donald is a different breed, and if Ryan Jensen doesn’t play due to a back injury, this could get ugly early and often. It’s not going to be an easy game for the Buccaneers as they start their 10,000-mile journey, But I think that getting a good start to this road trip is essential.

This one has the feelings of a shootout, but it all depends if the Bucs can start fast like they did against the Giant last week and finish strong this time, I think that there is a chance that they could pull off this upset. If Jameis has a shaky game and can’t escape the pass rush (Aaron Donald), then we might see the disastrous pick machine. Prediction: 31-27 Buccaneers.