Why the Bucs will beat the Rams

1-2 could have easily been 0-3, but could have just as well been 3-0 had a few things gone our way. Enough of the past though, I am looking forward and here to tell you why we will beat the L.A. Rams on Sunday in their own home and what it’s going to take for that to happen.

1. Blocking Aaron Donald: Ryan Jensen will have his hands full Sunday, having been tasked with blocking Aaron Donald. This man isn’t Gerald McCoy, he’s a freak on the defensive line. Just ask Ndamukong Suh, who played next to him last season. Donald racked up 20.5 sacks last season and is going to demand a double team.

2. Accounting for Clay Matthews and Dante Fowler: When you double team one player, that usually leaves an opening for another. The Bucs (more importantly Jameis) are going to have to keep their heads on a swivel for these 2 outside linebackers. These guys aren’t to be taken lightly.

3. Todd Gurley and Co.: Priority number 1 for Bucs defense, for the 3rd week in a row, will be to tame on of the Top 5 backs in the league in Todd Gurley. While doing that, the backs need to make sure they’re accounting for threats such as Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks, and Robert Woods. If they come out playing like they did in the first half last Sunday, we will be in good shape to secure a win. But if not, it’s going to be a long day.

Overall Assessment

In my opinion, this is going to be the true test for this young team and for the coaching staff. Bowles will need to open that playbook a little deeper, and I feel he does. The Bucs will edge the Rams 31-28. Matt Gay will redeem himself hitting a last-minute FG to put the Bucs over on the Rams.