Buccaneers’ Keys to Victory
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hosting the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday at 3pm EST. In their last playoff game against the Eagles, they soundly defeated them, 31-15. This game against the Rams will prove to be a much more difficult matchup. In order to defeat the Rams, these are some key components that I believe will help them win the game.
KEY NUMBER 1: SLOW DOWN OBJ
Much easier said than done. Everyone knows that Cooper Kupp is going to play phenomenally, as he captured the first triple crown (leading the league in YDS, REC, and REC TD) with 145 REC, 1,947 YDS and 16 REC TD. The last time these two teams met, Kupp had 9 REC for 96 YDS and 2 TD.
Now the Rams have OBJ.
The last time these teams met, the Rams were off to a hot start but they didn’t have OBJ, who has scored 6 TD over the last 8 games. DeSean Jackson was in charge of taking the top off the last time these two teams met, but since he is no longer with the Rams, expect OBJ to fill in that role.
KEY NUMBER 2: WR2 AND WR3 NEED TO STEP UP
With Mike Evans having to lineup against All-Pro cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, it’s safe to say that he may be shut out for a good portion of the game. In their last two meetings, Ramsey has allowed only 5 REC for 54 YDS against Evans. Normally, Chris Godwin would be the one to step up for the Bucs as WR2 or even Antonio Brown. But with Godwin having suffered a season ending injury, and AB being off the team, the Bucs are going to really have to dig deep this week against LA.
In comes Tyler Johnson and co. In their game against the Eagles, Tyler Johnson had only 2 receptions for 30 yards because Mike Evans was mostly having his way against the Eagles secondary.
In the regular season, Tyler Johnson had 36 REC for 360 YDS and 0 TD because of the natural depth of talent at that position for the Bucs. Another player I really like is Scotty Miller. He didn’t have an impressive season posting only 9 REC for 38 YDS and 0 TD but he’s a quick receiver with good hands. Don’t forget that last year, Miller had a big TD at the end of the half against the Packers in the NFC Championship game.
KEY NUMBER 3: GET TO STAFFORD
In their last meeting, Matthew Stafford threw all over the Buccaneers defense with 4 TD and 343 YDS, while completing over 71% of his passes. The Bucs only recorded one sack last game and only four QB hits. Just for reference, the Rams Defense sacked Brady three times and hit him five more times. It’s safe to say that since their last meeting, the Rams defense has gotten better with the acquisition of Von Miller so they will probably be getting to Brady quick again. I haven’t even brought up the fact that they still have All-Pro Aaron Donald on that side of the ball who will surely be doubled teamed all game. In response, the Bucs defense, led by Devin White, is going to need to get to Stafford and put some pressure on him if they don’t want him to throw all over the weak Tampa secondary.
This matchup will surely be a test for the Buccaneers, offensively and defensively. Hopefully, they can take away points from the last time these two teams met and pick apart what went wrong and capitalize on them. The Rams area matchup nightmare for Tampa, especially with all the injuries and drama that has been circulating them as of recently. I truly think the injury of Chris Godwin might prove to be costly in this game in specific, and hopefully, the O-line can recover from being banged up last game against Philly. 28-25 Bucs.
ALL IMAGES ARE FROM Getty Images