The Buccaneers are looking for their third win of the season against a tough Rams team.
Tomorrow is the battle in Los Angeles. ” The scoreboard might malfunction!” The Rams and Buccaneers have been rivals going back to the late 1990s between the Tampa two defense and the greatest show on turf.
In recent years, the rivalry has been on the annual NFL schedule. The Bucs put up 55 points against the Rams in L.A. a few years ago. The Rams got to win in Tampa last season during the Bucs’ identity search. With hindsight, that loss was a blessing in disguise. The Rams beat the Bucs in the NFC championship and went on to win Super Bowl 34. In 2002, the Bucs beat the Rams in the regular season and eventually went on to win Super Bowl 37. The playoffs helped this matchup become a rivalry that has lasted to this day. May it continue another twenty years.
This is the biggest test for the defending Super Bowl champions yet. Aaron Donald is the best defensive linemen in the NFL. I expect double teams, more double teams, and more double teams. The offensive line will have to be on their A-game, and the tackles will likely be going one on one with the Rams edge rushers.
The Bucs have the most complete offense in the NFL and should be up for the challenge against a very good defense. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey will have multiple receivers to keep his eye on, and the Buccaneer depth at wide receiver should cause issues for the Rams defense. If the Rams double-team even one receiver, that opens the door for one on one matchups.
The running game will face its best defense so far this season. The combo of “Rojo “and Fournette should balance the offensive attack out.
On defense, the Bucs are facing a very talented offense. Matthew Stafford is excelling in Sean McVay’s offense so far. Passing attacks have eaten up yardage in previous games. The Buccaneers run defense is the best in the NFL. Opponents seem to be throwing at a three to one ratio against the Buc defense due to the low yards per carrying average from the opponent running game. Time of possession will be a big factor in determining the winner.
Special teams are interesting. The Rams have a unique weapon in Johnny Hecker at punter. The Buccaneers need to be focused on fourth down and short-yardage to go. Both kickers can make field goals inside the 50. The Bucs punter added, pinning a team inside their own five-yard line, kicks last weekend. This should be an exciting football game. I predict the Bucs will win the game. Hopefully, they can extend their win streak.