NFL Game of the Week: Buccaneers vs Rams

Story posted September 24, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Chris Clark

Week 2 of the NFL brought us yet another intriguing slate of games in what was a rivalry-packed week, as a big chunk of the 16 games played were divisional matchups.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of those teams who played a divisional matchup as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 48-25 and now sit at 2-0 to start the season.

The Buccaneers came into this season with expectations of a powerful offense in both their passing and running game, and they didn’t fail to prove critics right.

44-year-old Tom Brady leads the league with nine touchdowns while being ranked in the top five total passing, all while the Tampa Bay squad is ranked top 10 in total offense. 

Brady has some of the best weapons in the entire league including receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and tight end Rob Gronkowski

As they say, offense wins games, defense wins championships. Buccaneers' defensive coordinator Todd Bowles seems to know this, and his players seem to know as well.

Linebacker Devin White is the heart and soul of this defense that currently ranks top 10 in league totals, with an extraordinary five touchdowns and four interceptions.

A team thriving on both sides of the ball is not exactly what a team hopes to play against at any point in an NFL season, but for a team as good as the Los Angeles Rams, this is the exact challenge they need. 

The Rams have been an exceptional football team over the past few years. They were kept out of contention due to subpar quarterback play.

Fittingly, general manager Les Snead picked up Matthew Stafford this offseason, who has been just the piece they needed to give their offense a much-needed boost. 

With Stafford at the helm, the Rams have a stacked offense complimented by receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, running back Darrell Henderson, and tight end Tyler Higbee.

What makes the Rams so dominant is their outstanding defense led by edge rusher Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The defense pressures the quarterback among the best in the league and their secondary can shut down the top receivers in the league.

This matchup could be a preview of this year's NFC Championship game.

In a nail-biter that goes right till the end, kicker Matt Gay will have his time to shine as the Rams take this one by a field goal.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 – Los Angeles Rams 30

Chris Clark is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cac6837@psu.edu