Bucs are gonna be a supreme challenge for these current Rams…

[Rams43]

Captain Obvious, I know.

But think about it. Bucs are firing on all cylinders in all 3 phases. They are better than their SB version at this time last year. Not hard to make the case that they’re the best team in the league right now. Far as I know, they’re still healthy and enjoying all 22 healthy starters from their SB winning roster.

Meanwhile, Rams seem thin at RB with Hendo extremely doubtful.

This Morris D has sputtered at times against teams that are no match for what the Bucs bring to bear. Allowed far to many big gash plays both run and pass. But for those 2 amazing goal line stands vs Colts we lose that game.

And Rams various ST units, except for Gay, have sputtered. I mean, they’ve embarrassed themselves multiple times.

Only way I see Rams beating these current Bucs is by playing an inspired and mistake free game from start to finish executing a helluva gameplan created by these fine Ram coaches. Nothing less will do.

And pray that Michel does not suffer any injury. Gulp…

 

[OntarioRam]

I'll say this, we can't rely on turnovers in the red zone like we needed against the Bears and Colts. The Defense deserves full credit for those turnovers, but if you are relying on them every week, you're in for a bad time. We need to be more stout. Starting now. I appreciate and expect that the defense will evolve and improve as the DC and players become more familiar with each other, the schemes, etc. But week 3 is right about when I'd expect to start seeing the light bulb go off, and the Rams will certainly need it to. No more excuses. Better game planning, better execution. This is not close to being all on Morris, who admittedly has been "meh" to date. The tackling has been atrocious. Lots of whiffs. Even by super-human players like Donald. Plenty of times the players have been in the right spots, but couldn't make the tackle. That's not on the DC.

 

[AvengerRam]

Where'd you get an "extremely doubtful" prognosis for Henderson?

As for the matchup, the Bucs have played two home games against teams that ranked 26th (Dallas) and 27th (Atlanta) in passer rating allowed in 2020. The Rams, particularly on their home turf, should provide a greater challenge for Brady. I'm expecting a close game.

 

[dieterbrock]

The Bucs have to be twice as scared of the Rams as their D has been torched to the tune of 27 ppg against. Should have been worse saved only by Zuerlein missing a chip shot FG and an XP and letting a terrible Falcons team tear them up for 25 after mustering only 6 points at home

 

[Merlin]

It is a bad matchup given what we've seen so far from Morris' defense.

Brady has made his career underneath. He's patient and accurate and intelligent, that combo will work against us in allowing him to drive the field, kill the clock, and take redzone shots all day long.

I think our offense is better. More dangerous, more capable of quickly hanging points on people. But they're gonna be on the bench for long periods and Stafford's arm will be cold, and Tampa has a better defense too.

We'll be in this one of course but I think this is the game where Morris has to get out of his comfort zone for us to win it. He's gonna have to run more single high on early downs and disguise when he's doing it. We're gonna need that extra box defender. This is a really big game for Morris IMO, hopefully he aces it.

 

[Rams43]

Where'd you get an "extremely doubtful" prognosis for Henderson?

As for the matchup, the Bucs have played two home games against teams that ranked 26th (Dallas) and 27th (Atlanta) in passer rating allowed in 2020. The Rams, particularly on their home turf, should provide a greater challenge for Brady. I'm expecting a close game.

McVay himself in his presser has said that Michel will start. And that it’s not even certain that Hendo will be cleared to play.

I also expect a close game IF Ram sloppy tackling and those ST fubars get corrected. But those are a couple of big ‘if’s’.

 

[Merlin]

The Bucs have to be twice as scared of the Rams as their D has been torched to the tune of 27 ppg against. Should have been worse saved only by Zuerlein missing a chip shot FG and an XP and letting a terrible Falcons team tear them up for 25 after mustering only 6 points at home

I haven't watched any of their games this year. Who's getting torched in their secondary?

 

[Merlin]

McVay himself in his presser has said that Michel will start. And that it’s not even certain that Hendo will be cleared to play.

I also expect a close game IF Ram sloppy tackling and those ST fubars get corrected. But those are a couple of big ‘if’s’.

Michel will be a big boost for the offense. Of that I have no doubt.

But philosophically this matchup favors the Bucs. Their DC is very good at rolling the dice which is the way to play Stafford. If you sit back Stafford will eat your coverages. And on the other side their offense will be comfortable driving the field.

Rams gotta shake shit up in this one. It's as big a week 3 game as it gets, especially with the NFC West looking like it does.

 

[AvengerRam]

McVay himself in his presser has said that Michel will start. And that it’s not even certain that Hendo will be cleared to play.

I also expect a close game IF Ram sloppy tackling and those ST fubars get corrected. But those are a couple of big ‘if’s’.

I don't think that's what he said. He said that Michel could start, depending on how Henderson progresses, and that he definitely plans to use Michel more, regardless of Henderson's health.

 

[dpjax]

Arians: Bucs have reached out to CB Sherman

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Monday that GM Jason Licht has reached out to cornerback Richard Sherman to gauge his interest in playing for Tampa Bay.

www.espn.com

TAMPA, Fla. -- One week after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting on injured reserve, coach Bruce Arians said that general manager Jason Licht has reached out to veteran cornerback Richard Sherman to gauge his interest.

"We got to see," Arians said Monday, one day after his team defeated the Atlanta Falcons 48-25 to improve to 2-0. "He's got other things going on, too. Just a matter of, 'I coach the ones that we got and let [Licht] handle the rest of that.' We'll kick the tires on some other guys, too. But it's just a matter of, 'No, we'll talk and see, and if it's the right fit, it's the right fit and we'll move on it.'"

 

[RamsSince1969]

Attention all planets of the Solar Federation.......Gronk is getting the ball. Gronk is getting the ball. Gronk is getting the ball.

 

[Faceplant]

If we had Akers I would feel a lot better about this match-up. As is, I don't see it being favorable for us. Expecting a long day honestly.

 

[Rams43]

I don't think that's what he said. He said that Michel could start, depending on how Henderson progresses, and that he definitely plans to use Michel more, regardless of Henderson's health.

Your description sounds like the very definition of ‘doubtful’.

 

[AvengerRam]

Your description sounds like the very definition of ‘doubtful’.

From an SI article posted a few hours ago:

McVay said he's "hopeful and optimistic" that Henderson will be ready to go for Week 3 when the Rams take on the Buccaneers. He adds that Henderson will be closely evaluated during the week and determine what his game designation will be on Friday.

"We want to give him as much time as possible to get as healthy as possible," McVay said. "This is something that if the pain subsides, then we will be confident to be able to utilize him."

Not sure how you're getting "doubtful" out of that, but I guess we'll all just wait and see.

 

[VegasRam]

It'll be a good game, and a good test, buy I'm not real concerned about a possible loss to the SB champs this early in the year.
We have seen very very little of Higs, and nothing of Jackson (1 screen) or Atwell, but I hope the same can be said of the D, as in Morris has some schemes ready we've not seen yet. Their O is for real.

And BTW, fuck Brady.

 

[Tano]

And BTW, fuck Brady.

Thread winner

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

Yes, the Bucs will score a lot of points, but so will we. Their defense hasn't been lighting it up either.

 

[yrba1]

Morris can’t use that bend but don’t break gameplan and expect Brady not to torch us in the red zone

I expect more man coverage looks, it would yield big plays but at least drives are more likely to stall for TB

 

[Jacobarch]

Morris can’t use that bend but don’t break gameplan and expect Brady not to torch us in the red zone

I expect more man coverage looks, it would yield big plays but at least drives are more likely to stall for TB

exactly this.

Brady has feasted on bend don't break defenses in his career. He's one of the best at taking what the defense gives him and not making mistakes from it. Our chance is to play tighter coverage and hope Brady holds on to the ball so we can knock him around. IF we get to Brady we win the game, plain and simple, he doesn't like pressure. But if we're playing 10 yards off every WR he'll dink and dunk and exhaust our defense all day. I sure hope McVay is all over Morris this game about changing up his game plan.
I also don't want to see Ramsey playing rover / star on the field. He needs to lock down one of their many threats and D williams needs to lock down the other. Hoping the rest of our defense does their jobs and isn't afraid to attack the ball.

 

[12intheBox]

Next 3 weeks will be pretty telling about what’s what in the NFC.