Although the Los Angeles Rams may be coming off one of their most crucial wins of the 2020 NFL season, things will not get any easier for them as they prepare to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.
Rams Offense Vs. Buccaneers Defense
The Rams’ offense was dealt a crucial blow with the loss of left tackle Andrew Whitworth. The onus will now fall on offensive lineman Joseph Noteboom to take on an increased role up front.
This group will need to have a big day if they hope to keep up with Tampa Bay’s star-studded offense. Settling for field goals and relying on the defense to keep opponents out of the end zone is not going to cut it against these bonafide contenders.
While the Bucs’ offense may be getting all attention, their defense has been rather stout this season. They are currently top-10 in passer rating (89.8), yards per game (223.7), and tied for first in interceptions as a team. They have also registered the second-most sacks (32) and fourth-most quarterback hits (73).
Rams Defense Vs. Buccaneers Offense
The elite play of the Rams defense has helped take the pressure off the offense to perform at a high level. Of course, this is thanks to the dominant play of the pass rush up front led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald. This group has registered the third-most sacks in the league (31) heading into Week 11.
Their play combined with the stingy secondary has limited opposing quarterbacks to the third-lowest passer rating (81.0) and third-fewest passing yards per game (199.7).
Regardless, this week poses a unique challenge with no shortage of weapons on the other side of the ball. The Bucs boast serious firepower across the board and are looking to make a statement with it on primetime this Monday night.
Keys To Victory
Prevent Bucs From Establishing Balance
It is no secret that the receiving corps for quarterback Tom Brady looks like something straight out of Madden with the likes of Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski in the mix. However, head coach Bruce Arians has found that the offense is at its best when it features a healthy dose of balance in the backfield as well with the 1-2 punch of Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette.
Tampa Bay will do what they can to get Jones going early before capitalizing over the top with their trio of wideouts. Fortunately, the Rams defense is also giving up the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (96.8) and will need to stifle any kind of rhythm early on if they hope to keep their dominant ways going.
Pinpoint Weakness And Capitalize On Offense
Not only has Tampa Bay’s defense been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, backfields have not enjoyed much luck against them either since they are giving up the fewest rushing yards per game (76.6) and carry (3.3) this season.
While the matchup does not bode well for L.A. and their backfield-by-committee approach, head coach Sean McVay must find a recipe for success that not only puts points on the board but keeps the Bucs’ offense off the field.
How to Watch
Time: 5:15 p.m. PT
Location: Raymond James Stadium
TV: ESPN
