Evan Wanish (@Evan_WTB)
This is a big test for this Buccaneers team. After coming off of a disappointing loss, the team will look to bounce back against one of the NFL’s best. The Rams are stacked on both sides of the football so the Bucs are gonna have to perform very well to have a shot at this one.
This offensive line might struggle against Aaron Donald and company, potentially making it a long day for Bucs running backs as well as quarterback Jameis Winston. The Bucs should be looking to get the ball out of Winston’s hands as quick as possible. Look for a lot of screens and quick slants to try and get something going. On the defensive side of the ball the Bucs young secondary will be tested.
They performed poorly last time out against a not so good Giants receiving core so what will happen when they have to play the Rams? Bucs defensive line will have to get pressure on Jared Goff and force him to make mistakes or else it could be a very long day for this defense. M.J. Stewart is expected to go up against Cooper Kupp, who is one of the best slot receivers the league has to offer.
That is not a favorable matchup for the Buccaneers so expect the Rams to target Kupp early and often. Matt Gay might have the most pressure out of any Buc this weekend; he needs to be perfect on every one of his kicks or the Bucs could very well be looking for a new kicker.
I think the Bucs got a solid day out of the Winston-Evans connection, but not much else on offense. The defense will be tested early as they will shut the Rams run game down, but ultimately will crumble once the Rams begin to wear down the defensive line and can take some shots down the field against this suspect secondary.
Bucs keep it close the entire game, but the Rams do just enough to pull this one out to remain undefeated as Tampa Bay falls to 1-3 on the young season, making the next two games against division opponents that much more important. Prediction: 31-21 Rams.