The Los Angeles Rams head to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay to take on the defending champion Buccaneers. The NFC Divisional Round playoff game features stars from both teams, on both sides of the ball.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford finally got the monkey off of his back, winning the first playoff game of his career last week vs. the Arizona Cardinals. The offense will need to stay on track as they face Tom Brady next.
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Here are my bold predictions for the Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff game.
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LA Rams Bold Predictions vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Matthew Stafford throws a couple touchdown passes
Last week, Stafford finally addressed the elephant in the room, winning a playoff game for the first time. Granted, I strongly reject that criticism. He played for the Detroit Lions his entire career. The fact that he took them to the playoffs three times is impressive.
The most recent visit in 2014, Stafford had the Dallas Cowboys beat. The refs shockingly picked up a flag for pass interference that would have moved the Lions into game-winning field goal range.
Cowboys benefit massively when refs pick up flag for PI. The last time Matt Stafford had a shot late in a playoff game was 2014 https://t.co/gSvA3qvuGi
— thomasemerick (@ThomasEmerick) January 17, 2022
But I digress.
Stafford throughout his career has always shown me that he is a great leader. In a lot of big moments, I have watched him step up and play big. I was not surprised at all that he played excellent football last week, beating the Arizona Cardinals.
This week, the Rams will not be able to run the ball nearly as effectively against the stout front of Tampa Bay. Stafford will have to throw a lot more passes. It' is going to be a much stiffer test. But it's a test I believe Stafford will still pass.
I believe he will toss a couple scores, and also turn the ball over once.
3. Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Rams front dominates the game
Last week, Von Miller reminded everyone why the Rams went out and got him. He makes big plays at big times. We all know how dominant Aaron Donald is. He might literally be the best defensive lineman we have seen in a very, very long time.
Helping matters is the fact that the Buccaneers strength, their offensive line, is in trouble. In the win vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, Pro Bowl right tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen both were hurt and are questionable to play this week. Even if they do suit up, they will surely be playing at less than 100 percent.
Ryan Jensen, Tristan Wirfs wouldn't have practiced Wednesday. https://t.co/5vifskQgRT
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 19, 2022
In their earlier meeting back in Week 3, the Rams beat the Bucs, 34-24. Tom Brady was the leading rusher for Tampa Bay. Yes, you read that right.
Leonard Fournette was held to eight yards on four carries and Ronald Jones II rushed for 11 yards on five carries. The Bucs fell behind early, which had a lot to do with that. Nevertheless, with Fournette and Jones not even assured to play, I would expect the run game to be somewhat stagnant again.
For more insight on the Rams' Divisional playoff matchup against the Buccaneers, listen below:
That should allow Aaron Donald, Von Miller and Leonard Floyd to consistently bring pressure. Brady was sacked three times in the first meeting. I think he goes down at least that many times this game, but probably more.
2. Los Angeles picks off two passes from Tom Brady
Obviously, it is never easy beating the GOAT in the playoffs. Tom Brady literally has more playoff wins than 26 of the 32 NFL franchises. At this point, he has lapped the field. But that does not mean he is invincible. Even last year during the Buccaneers magical run to a championship, Brady did not play his best.
He played subpar in New Orleans in the divisional round, and threw three interceptions against the Packers in the NFC Championship.
It's going to be a challenge for the Buccaneers offense at times Sunday. Brady's favorite target, Chris Godwin, is gone for the year with a torn ACL. Antonio Brown quit, or was kicked off the team, depending on who you believe. Both Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones II are questionable to play.
That leaves only Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski as the established targets for Brady. Evans is an intermediate to downfield type target. In order to get the ball to him, he needs time to throw. As I previously mentioned, Brady might not have very much time.
The formula for slowing down a Tom Brady-led offense has always been bringing pressure up the middle. Don't let him simply shuffle around in the pocket. You have to make him move laterally. This Rams defense will do just that. It will force Brady to get rid of the ball before he wants to, or get caught holding onto to it too long.
That will ultimately lead to at least two turnovers from the greatest quarterback to ever play football.
1. Los Angeles pulls off the upset, advances to NFC Championship
This is not easy for me to do. I am, admittedly, a massive Tom Brady fan. But the Bucs season just hasn't been the same. It doesn't feel like a championship year.
If they are going to lose, this particular matchup seems like the most likely spot.
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The Bucs secondary is vulnerable and Stafford, Kupp and Beckham Jr. are playing as well as they have all year. Tampa's offensive line woes create massive mismatches inside.
I love watching “Tom Terrific” play, but it won't be pretty Sunday. The Rams will defeat the Buccaneers and advance to the NFC Championship.
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