Tampa Bay has traditionally had a good defense, but today’s Buccaneers vs Rams game could make the 12th-ranked Bucs D look even better. Entering today’s 4:05 EST / 1:05 PST game in Raymond James Stadium, the St. Louis Rams still haven’t nailed down their regular starting quarterback.
In last week’s 34-6 beatdown against the Minnesota Vikings, the Rams ended the game with third-string QB Austin Davis at the helm. Their first choice at starter, backup QB Shaun Hill, strained his quadriceps muscle and is unlikely to play in today’s Rams / Buccaneers game.
Since losing quarterback Sam Bradford, St. Louis has struggled to adapt their offense. If the Rams today rely on Davis as expected, the Bucs defense will have plenty of opportunities to capitalize. In some respects the Rams could be a “slump buster” of sorts, as the Buccaneers last week gave up 334 yards to the Panthers.
The biggest beneficiary of the Rams third-string QB likely playing today’s game is defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy has 19.5 sacks for his career, and with one more he would move past Anthony McFarland for fourth overall in Tampa Bay history.
While the Buccaneers defense didn’t exactly shine last week, it stands a better shot today. By most accounts McCoy will also get that fourth career-sacks position.
That could leave the fate of the game to Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown. Last week McCown went 22-for-35 but had only 183 yards and 71.5 quarterback rating. That’s a far cry from his 99.0 Total QBR on vertical throws last year. Today’s Rams / Buccaneers game gives him a chance to prove his backup role with the Bears last year wasn’t a fluke.
You can watch today’s St. Louis Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game live on TV on FOX. The game kicks off at 4:05pm EST / 1:05pm PST. You can also watch Rams vs Buccaneers online free live streaming Week 2 using the FOX Sports video website or DirecTV’s website. The latter requires you to have an NFL Sunday Ticket MAX package, which requires a subscription. All subscribers can watch the game online free via the DirecTV live stream if they’re stuck using a smartphone, tablet or PC.
