NFC Game Of The Week
Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rams: Sunday was big for them. To be honest, any divisional showdown is important. People have knocked them over many of their wins. Four of them came against the god-awful NFC East, then they were able to take down the Chicago Bears. I like how they fared against the Seattle Seahawks. Here are my thoughts when it comes to these Los Angeles Rams: Their offense is very effective in how they move the ball down the field. On the other hand, you have a defense that’s one of the best in the league. Look at how they were able to keep Seattle’s offense in check. You hold D.K. Metcalf to 28 yards receiving along with forcing three turnovers and holding Russell without a touchdown pass. Also, the Rams held a high-octane offense to 16 points. Next is a showdown in Tampa Bay on Monday night.
Bucs: After an all-around horrible game against the Saints a few weeks back, the eyes of the football world were on them. We know Tom Brady’s history after losing a game. He bounces back nicely the following week. To be honest, in the first half against the Carolina Panthers, they looked soft. The defense got burned by the blitz. Offensively, they still seemed out of rhythm. As the game went on, they got better. My biggest takeaway from this game was how the running game was able to bounce back. Ronald Jones was able to score a 98-yard touchdown. I also noticed how the Bucs were able to spread the ball around to their receivers. They’re back home on Monday night.
Rams X-Factor: Leonard Floyd– On Sunday against Seattle, he was all over the field. Whether it was applying pressure on the quarterback or stopping the run. I like how the Rams use Leonard because he can get to the quarterback or ball-carrier with good speed.
Bucs X-Factor: Chris Godwin– When Tom signed in Tampa, this was the receiver I was excited for the most. With the Rams putting so much attention on Antonio Brown and Mike Evans, look for Chris to see many open lanes. He could have a big game here.
Final Thoughts: This will be the Rams’ final time traveling to the eastern time zone. The last time the Bucs were home, they were on the receiving end of a thrashing from the Saints. Watch for the Rams to try and rattle Brady early on. Make him move left of the pocket. For Tampa, can they show up in a primetime game? They’re 0-2. I see this coming down to who stops the run better.
Prediction: Bucs 31 Rams 27
