(Sources: ESPN.com, CBS Sports)
The Buccaneers break a 3 game-losing streak against the former Super Bowl champs. Yesterdays afternoon’s matchup against the Rams and Buccaneers finished 13-16 in favor of Tampa. First, let’s dispense with the stats amassed in this matchup. Stafford threw 27 passes connecting 13 for 165 yds and 1 touchdown to Cooper Kupp. Kupp was the leading receiver with 8 receptions on 9 targets for 127 yds. Darrell Henderson Jr. was their most effective running gaining 56 yds from scrimmage on 12 attempts. Brady aired it out 58 times with 36 completions and 1 gaming-winning TD. Cade Otton lead in yardage with 68 yds, most of those coming from the game-winning drive where he scored his first NFL TD.
Brady completed some amazing feats in this game:
100,000 passing yards
5,000 passing 1st downs
55th regular season game-winning drive
24th career win when attempting 50+ yard passes
Another key number to watch is Mike Evans has 617 yds on the season 400 away from completing another 1,000 seasons. That would make it 9 seasons in a row, which would put him in a league of his own.
The buccaneers’ defense did great except for one blown coverage allowing the Cooper Kupp TD. Antoine Winfield Jr. was not in the lineup with some lingering issues from a concussion. The secondary did well after that TD keeping everything in front and forcing some tough passing situations for Stafford. The Bucs defense has been gashed from yards on the ground and they stood strong only allowing 68 yds on the ground. Also getting home 5 sacks on Stafford. Maintaining defensive back assignments is key for success, and continual pressure on the QB.
The offense looked brilliant at times but also struggled steadily throughout the season. Protection held strong this game, allowing only 1 sack but not much in terms of running lanes for the Bucs RBs. Bucs will look to progress this into positive momentum.
The Buccaneers (4-5) face off against the Seahawks (6-3) in Germany next week. The rams (3-5) will play their division against the Cardinals (3-6)
-Jonathan Perez