34-24. That was the final score of the game when the Rams thrashed the Buccaneers in week 3 of the NFL season. This is the game that decides the Buccaneer’s fate; that decides if their championship repeat hopes are ultimately kept alive. The Buccaneers, in my opinion, have more on the line than the Rams, so this should be the most interesting, action-packed game of the past two seasons.
When you look at these teams, it’s hard not to see similarities. Both have star-studded offenses (Odell Beckham Jr, Cooper Kupp, Rob Gronkowski, and Mike Evans are just a few names that will be in action on Sunday) led by superstar quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford and Tom Brady. Stafford has been an absolute unit this season (his first in L.A) and could just be Brady’s kryptonite.
In their week 3 meeting this season, Stafford played his best game of the season, passing for 343 yards, establishing a 134 QB rating, and scoring 4 passing touchdowns. Wow, just…wow. Was Brady off that game? Not really. The 44-year-old threw for 432 yards and a touchdown but ultimately had to concede to being played out by Stafford. So, can that happen again?
In my opinion, I don’t think so. Tampa Bay’s defense is probably once bitten and twice shy, meaning they remember the prior game against the Rams and will make sure that it doesn’t happen again. SO what exactly do they need to do? First, they are going to need to utilize their strengths, which lies in blitzing the QB and laying some quarterback hits. The Buccaneers rank first in blitzing the opposing quarterback, and second in quarterback hits.
On the other side of the ball, the Buccaneers will ultimately need to find a way to protect Tom Brady, as their top lineman, Tristan Wirfs, has been declared out with an ankle injury. Wirfs was an integral part of the line, and things only got worse last week when his replacement came into action. Lining up where Wirfs normally plays this week is none other than Von Miller, who is channeling his prime playing years and has been “balling out” recently.
Yes, the Ram’s defense is pretty scary. I mean, you have Aaron Donald, Von Miller, Jalen Ramsey, and Ernest Jones all with eyes on Brady. But what the Rams do lack is strong secondary. The Rams rank third last in allowing opposing teams wide receivers to gain receptions and fourth-last in accumulating yards. The Buccaneers are a pass-heavy offense, so maybe Brady and the wide-outs can convene to get this lead early utilizing these tactics.
Overall, this all depends on how the Rams will come out and play. The Rams are just as potent, if not more potent, than the Buccaneers, so this should be interesting. If the Rams clam up on D and give a hard time to Brady, there may be a bit of difficulty in pulling this win out for the Buccaneers. Still, I wouldn’t bet money against the G.O.A.T. He’ll find a way to get it done…he always does.