NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams return to primetime as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday night. The Rams are looking to extend their winning streak to 6 following their 21-19 win over Seattle. The Buccaneers are looking to end their 2 game losing streak following their 44-32 defeat to the Buffalo Bills. As they head into the second half of the season, the Rams are looking to make a strong push towards the playoffs.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford will look to bounce back from a subpar performance against Seattle. The Seahawks defense limited Stafford to 130 passing yards on 15-28 passing. Stafford passed for 2 touchdowns and had 0 interceptions. Throughout the game, the Seahawks defense took away what Rams head coach Sean McVay liked to do in the passing game. The Rams’ leading receiver, Puka Nacua, was held to 75 receiving yards on 7 receptions. WR Davante Adams was limited to 1 reception for only 1 yard.
Stafford wasn’t as sharp as he has been in recent weeks; however, he did make key completions when the team needed them. The Rams will be facing a Buccaneers defense that has allowed an average of 241 passing yards per game. Look for Coach McVay to test the Buccaneers’ pass coverage early in the game. The Rams will be without two offensive starters, as TE Tyler Higbee and starting OT Rob Havenstein were placed on IR this week. With Higbee out, look for the Rams to use TEs Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen in the passing attack. Warren McClendon, Jr. is expected to play in place of Havenstein at right tackle.
With the Rams’ passing game out of rhythm against the Seahawks, Coach McVay went to his running game, as the team rushed for 119 yards on 22 carries. Kyren Williams led the way with 91 rushing yards on 12 carries and 1 touchdown. This Los Angeles offense is difficult to slow down when Coach McVay calls a balanced offensive attack. Look for the Rams to remain with a balanced attack against the Buccaneers.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield leads the Buccaneers offense. Since joining the Bucs, Mayfield has seen his career rejuvenated. On the season, Mayfield has passed for 2365 yards with 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Like Stafford, Mayfield has done a good job taking care of the football and not forcing passes into coverage. The secondary, coming off a 4-interception game against Sam Darnold, will look to disguise their pass coverage schemes and force Mayfield into making bad throws. Mayfield will once again be without his top receiver as Mike Evans is still healing from a broken collarbone suffered earlier this season. WRs Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin, Jr. were limited in practice this week and are listed as questionable to play Sunday. If they are unable to play, look for Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller, and Kameron Johnson to see increased playing time. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula will look to test a Buccaneers offensive line that has allowed 26 sacks this season. Look for Coach Shula to use a variety of blitz packages to bring pressure on Mayfield.
Buccaneer RB Bucky Irving is listed as questionable on the injury report this week. If Irving is not able to play, look for Rachaad White to start at RB. On the season, White leads the Buccaneers with 376 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Sean Tucker should also be expected to spell White in the Buccaneers’ backfield. Against Seattle, the Rams’ defense allowed 135 rushing yards. Look for the Bucs to test the run defense early in the game. The Rams will be without DB Quiten Lake, as he was placed on IR this week. Lake is a key player in the Rams’ rush defense. Josh Wallace has been placed at the top of the depth chart as a nickel back in Lake’s absence. Look for the Rams to use multiple players in the secondary.
The team enter this game looking to keep their winning streak alive as the Buccaneers look to end a 2 game skid. Both teams are looking to improve their positions in the NFC standings as they make a push for the playoffs. In the end, look for the Rams to bounce back offensively and make it 6 straight wins and hand the Bucs their third consecutive loss.
Rams 31
Buccaneers 17
