The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. Disgusted with a loss to the Giants last week the Buccaneers look to get back on track and to .500. This game will be a matchup to watch as these teams strengths and weaknesses mirror one another closely. So who takes the week four matchup and who walks away with a loss?
Defense vs Defense
One defense is on the rise, the other has been stout for some time with one of the best players in the NFL.
First, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are quickly establishing themselves as one of the best run defenses in the league. They have held top tier running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley, before being hurt, to having a minimal impact. They look to repeat the process against Todd Gurley. I have no doubt this will happen as long as Vita Vea is healthy. This will force Jared Goff to be the biggest factor for the Rams offense. Can he carry the team? Shaquil Barret may have an answer for you. He will be active and causing problems for Goff all game.
Second, his name is Aron Donald. Arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL if not the best defender period. He’s going to be double teamed where ever he goes on Sunday. The question that should be on Buccaneer’s fans mids should be, by who? Ryan Jensen is still not practicing (as of Thursday). If he can make his way back things will look better for the offensive line. Certainly, without him and Jameis Winston may be running for his life. Above all, Jensen’s health is one of the biggest things to watch for going into the game.
Coaching
In today’s league, the coach has got to adjust throughout the game AND YOU CAN NEVER TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS!!! Hopefully, Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich will keep this in mind. 18 points is not a lead that gives a team enough protection that you can start letting up. If the team didn’t take the foot off the gas then they got outcoached. This staff must adjust and be flexible. If they can’t…the Buccaneers lose.
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Will the Tight Ends Please Stand Up
For the first three weeks of the season, there has been a glaring piece missing. The tight ends have seen few targets compared to last season. this trend may continue Sunday with a banged-up offensive line and the Buccaneers possible use of “max protect”. The offense will become more explosive if the tight ends can come in and create mismatches. The Rams have some talent in the backfield and it will take the tight ends getting involved to exploit them, especially if Chris Godwin is ruled out. He returned to practice this Friday but is battling a hip issue.
As Always..the Winston Factor
Recently Jamies Winston has looked indecisive in the pocket. Scared from the past four years of slinging the ball, tossing an interception, and hurting the team’s chances of winning. Subsequently, Winston needs to find the middle ground between reckless abandon and smart deliberate throws. He will get there but it won’t be this game. The pressure he is going to face from the Rams defensive line will be far too great. So what Winston will we get this weekend?
Prediction
This is a tuff one. The defense of the Rams seems to be an unsurmountable groupe to face. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will lose 17-21 and move to 1-3. I hope I am wrong about this one.
My current record: 1-3
My Picks;
Week 1: Buccaneers over 49ers (wrong)
Week 2: Buccaneers over the Panthers (correct)
Week 3: Buccaneers over the Giants (wrong…c’mon make the damn kick)
