Riddle’s Run Down: Bucs Can Win in LA

Next Sunday the Bucs travel to LA to face the Rams on the west coast. The Rams are 3-0 this year and are tied for first in the NFC West. Nobody is giving the Bucs a shot, but this is how they could pull off a W in LA.

The Rams offense has been mediocre at best this season coming in rated 16th overall. If the Bucs can get pressure on Rams QB Jared Goff, it could lead to turnovers as Goff has thrown 3 INTs already this season. The Bucs should also expect a heavy dose of Todd Gurley, who has 203 yards on 44 carries. The Bucs rank 6th overall in run defense, so if Vea, Suh, and company can keep it up, then they surely have a chance to shut Gurley Down.

On Defense, it’s a different story. The Rams rank 3rd overall in total defense and could cause problems for Winston and the offense. Both RBs Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones have shown they are more than capable of carrying the rock. Jones has also shown big-play capability and is definitely a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. Expect the Bucs to lean heavily on both RBs.

Winston must play mistake-free football, the Rams may have the 3rd best defense, but we have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and I’ll take them against any defensive backfield any day. This could be one of the biggest games of Winston’s career if he can turn this season around with a win on the road.