PREGAME Beating the Bucs

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OnceARam

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Let's hope the Rams are not thinking the same way, because Tom Brady sure isn't, and he'll send the Rams back home with their tails between their legs if LA comes out flat. With the Bucs injuries, I think the Rams should win this one, despite what the Vegas odds and talking heads say. But Tampa Bay is still a really good team. We'll need to bring our A game to beat them.

I agree. And I'm only overlooking the Bucs because I have the luxury to do so. That said, remember how AD tried to choke an AZ Cardinal on national television last week... yeah, I don't think this team is coming out flat. They are on a mission. I just hope Tom Brady doesn't get the Budda Baker treatment. ;)
 

OnceARam

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Just re-watched the Rams-Bucs Game in Week Three. Few observations.

Rams played really well on both sides of the ball.

The Rams did not run much, and did not run well when they did (about 30 yards through three quarters). Stafford had 31 pass attempts mid-way through the third quarter, when the Rams had built a 28-14 lead. Noticed that not many pass attempts came-off play action.

The Bucs were short-handed in the secondary. Bunting-Murphy was out and Dean went-out in the first quarter. That's two of their top-3 CBs. Also, Pierre-Paul did not play, and Stafford was well-protected

Of course, that game was a long time ago, and both teams are different.
Few Examples:
Tampa's defense is healthy now but it's offense is banged-up. The departed Desean Jackson had a huge game; and Terrell Lewis was very active but has not been game-day-active for weeks. Ramsey did not follow Evans ... but Godwin was healthy then. When Williams and Long were on Evans, they did not 'cover him' at all.

Good points all. The only thing that is the same is we still have Williams and Long... Hopefully, we can give them safety help all game long.

That said, I think what is to be watched in this upcoming game is what will Morris do with Ramsey.
 

Merlin

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I agree. And I'm only overlooking the Bucs because I have the luxury to do so. That said, remember how AD tried to choke an AZ Cardinal on national television last week... yeah, I don't think this team is coming out flat. They are on a mission. I just hope Tom Brady doesn't get the Budda Baker treatment. ;)
Yeah I'm feeling very confident for this game too. Even though I know these are two closely matched teams and that the Bucs are easily good enough to send us home. But at this point I figure why not exact everything I can from it. Being in the playoffs is amazing but it's even better when you let yourself believe a little bit.

This has been one hell of a fun week though. Had a list of shit I wanted to do and it still looks the same lol.
 

The Ramowl

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I think this game will be decided by time of possession. If the Bucs manage to keep the ball on offense for long and steady drive with running and short passing, we're in trouble. We've been vulnerable to that strategy and I think they have the means to apply it with Fournette back. Brady knows he can't keep the ball very long, so I feel they will strategize for this, I hope Morris plans accordingly.

Also of course turnovers, if Stfford throws picks we're most probably done. We'll probably try to beat them deep so there's a risk.
 

OnceARam

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Yeah I'm feeling very confident for this game too. Even though I know these are two closely matched teams and that the Bucs are easily good enough to send us home. But at this point I figure why not exact everything I can from it. Being in the playoffs is amazing but it's even better when you let yourself believe a little bit.

This has been one hell of a fun week though. Had a list of shit I wanted to do and it still looks the same lol.

That's that Tinkerbell dust. Enjoy it while it lasts my man!
 

RamWoodie

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WHAT IT'S GOT TO BE:
USATSI_12105062_168386999_lowres.jpg
 

Allen2McVay

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Good points all. The only thing that is the same is we still have Williams and Long... Hopefully, we can give them safety help all game long.

That said, I think what is to be watched in this upcoming game is what will Morris do with Ramsey.
How about Ramsey on Evans in most situations.

Realize that goes against what the Rams usually like to do with Ramsey but, with Godwin out and Brown gone, Evans seems like the guy to slow-down ... if possible.
 

Merlin

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Evans is a tough matchup to single up on because he's so physical. But I agree that Ramsey on him makes a ton of sense. Maybe Gronk too on the formations/looks where they favor him as an early read.

I'm not too worried about our defense. Tampa's gonna score a bit but we should be able to keep them within reason if the defense plays like they have been playing.

I'm worried about protections. Tampa is physical up front. Rams need to be ready for that. I do think Stafford is in a good spot with his pre-snap reads, he has been putting on a clinic in anticipating pressures. But the big DT running rampant through the backfield is the concern because Allen is on his face or back. If we get the pass pro we saw vs the Cards it's gonna be a long day for Arians. :laugh2:
 

Merlin

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NFL injury updates, latest league news from Thursday, Jan. 20​


Pelissero: Tristan Wirfs a 'long shot' to play vs. Rams; Leonard Fournette up in the air


The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw multiple offensive starters participate in practice Thursday, but are still waiting on their right tackle to get back on the field.

Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen and running backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones were seen working out at the facility Thursday, per multiple reports. Tackle Tristan Wirfs, however, was still not participating.

Jensen and Wirfs suffered ankle injuries in Tampa Bay's wild-card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Fournette has been on injured reserve since Dec. 23 with a hamstring injury. Jones has missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury.

Tampa Bay hosts the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

Injuries/COVID-19​

  • Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was cleared from concussion protocol and will play against the Titans, head coach Zac Taylor told reporters. Bengals linebackers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Jordan Evans were activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and return to injured reserve. Linebacker Joe Bachie, also on IR, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
  • Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) will be questionable and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) will be doubtful to play against San Francisco, coach Matt LaFleur told reporters. Neither player practiced Thursday.
  • The Los Angeles Rams designated linebacker Ernest Jones (ankle) to return from injured reserve.
  • Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel told reporters the team will make a decision on activating running back Derrick Henry (foot) from injured reserve Friday. Vrabel said the RB's workload increased Thursday. Henry is expected to play Saturday against the Bengals.

Roster moves​


 

den-the-coach

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I'm worried about protections. Tampa is physical up front. Rams need to be ready for that. I do think Stafford is in a good spot with his pre-snap reads, he has been putting on a clinic in anticipating pressures. But the big DT running rampant through the backfield is the concern because Allen is on his face or back. If we get the pass pro we saw vs the Cards it's gonna be a long day for Arians. :laugh2:

I concur the Bucs d-line is huge, but you have to run away from them and the Rams will need Akers to run outside, also Akers in the screen game can also assist in that area. Jet Sweeps with one or two with Jefferson & OBJ should help the run game too and Stafford needs to play smart and not turn the ball over.

Brian Allen will have a tough test as will Austin Corbett, but they need to run right off of Havenstein, Higbee & Kupp IMHO and stick with the run game for better or worse.
 

Flint

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I agree. And I'm only overlooking the Bucs because I have the luxury to do so. That said, remember how AD tried to choke an AZ Cardinal on national television last week... yeah, I don't think this team is coming out flat. They are on a mission. I just hope Tom Brady doesn't get the Budda Baker treatment. ;)
I saw the commotion and I was like, what is going on? But then I saw AD in the middle and he wanted a piece of that lineman, this wasn’t no “hold me back” kinda fight either he wanted to get his hands on the dude.
 

Merlin

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Thing about running away from the Bucs' DL is that their ILBs are among the fastest and best tacklers in space in the league. And they just got them back.

So for me a speedy front like that you just ensure your run count is enough to keep them honest and run it straight at them with some power. As the game goes on the yardage will come but what's important is just keeping them from pinning their ears back.

I could see a defensive struggle type game here. But I also think our passing game can have its way with the Bucs secondary if they can keep 9 clean. And it's the same thing for the Bucs btw, where Brady will riddle our secondary if he gets time. So it's an interesting matchup and whatever happens I think it'll be close.
 

MachS

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Seems like a pretty simple formula to me:

Defense:

1) Ramsey on Evans all day to shut him down
2) Double Gronk - LB & S
3) If we get beat by Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson, and Cameron Brate so be it
4) Focus on shutting down the run early downs
5) Less 10yard cushions, more man coverage mixed in. Brady will be looking to get the ball out quick. He'll complete 10+ passes to RBs

Offense:

1) They have by far the #1 rush D in the league, but a very weak secondary. We need to pass early to set up the run. Let Kupp & OBJ eat.
2) Get Akers involved in the pass game a lot. 5+ catches would be great. Screens, split out wide, Texas routes, etc.
3) Higbee has been playing well, get those LBs moving laterally trying to cover Higs
4) Once the pass game gets revved up, we start running Akers and Michel off tackle runs and tosses. Attack the edges, their interior DL is too good


Then we crack the whisky, light the kush and celebrate.