After doing simply sufficient to maneuver right into a tie atop the NFC final week, the Los Angeles Rams transfer on to a take a look at towards a fellow division chief Sunday evening when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive at Inglewood, Calif.
The Rams (8-2) have moved as much as the No. 2 seed within the NFC, and since a Week 3 loss to the No. 1 seed Philadelphia Eagles, they’ve gained six of seven video games. They avenged the one loss within the stretch by rolling previous the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10.
Final week, the Rams struggled to interrupt by towards the Seattle Seahawks’ protection but nonetheless pulled off a 21-19 victory within the battle for the highest spot within the NFC West.
Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for a season-low 130 yards however had two landing passes to present him an NFL-best 27 on the season. Puka Nacua had seven catches for 75 yards and Kyren Williams rushed for 91 yards and a TD.
On protection, the Rams intercepted Sam Darnold 4 instances, together with two picks from Kam Kinchens.
“Our protection has been nice,” McVay stated. “I believe they’ve been at their greatest in a very powerful moments. I believed it was superior to have the ability to power the turnovers and be capable to tighten up within the purple zone like we did. … A variety of confidence within the offense and protection whenever you’re (getting outcomes) like that.”
A significant Rams concern is on the damage entrance as security Quentin Lake (elbow), tight finish Tyler Higbee (ankle) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle, knee) all went on injured reserve.
Tight finish has been a energy for McVay, who has been utilizing three tight-end units by using Higbee, Davis Allen, rookie Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson.
The look has been the newest instance of McVay’s ever-changing offensive strategy, with Stafford compiling 22 TD passes and no interceptions over his previous seven video games.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to look sharp in his third season in Tampa Bay. Whereas his completion proportion (63.5%) and his passing touchdowns (17) are off from his spectacular totals of 71.4% and 41, respectively, final season, he has simply three interceptions in 10 video games after main the NFL with 16 final 12 months.
Mayfield revived his profession with a brief cease in Los Angeles in 2022. In simply 5 late-season video games (4 begins) for the Rams, he confirmed he nonetheless had the expertise to be a winner, resulting in a free-agent cope with the Buccaneers that offseason.
“It was pivotal in my journey,” Mayfield stated this week about his time in L.A. “It helped me to seek out the enjoyable in soccer once more, that pleasure. And simply attending to be taught from these (coaches). … They helped me to find what offense I actually wish to play in. It is one thing I am endlessly grateful for.”
After two Professional Bowl picks in two seasons with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has Tampa Bay atop the NFC South by a half-game over the Carolina Panthers.
A protection that helped prepared the ground to a 6-2 begin this season has been up towards it because the staff’s bye week. Tampa Bay is coming off a 28-23 house loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10 and a 44-32 defeat at Buffalo final week. The Payments’ Josh Allen threw three landing passes and ran for 3 extra scores.
Sean Tucker had 106 dashing yards for Tampa Bay, which had a season-best 202 yards on the bottom.
The Buccaneers nonetheless await the return of wideout Chris Godwin (fibula) and operating again Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), who had been restricted Wednesday. Linebackers Chris Braswell Jr. (foot) and Haason Reddick (ankle, knee), cornerback Jamel Dean (hip) and guard Ben Bredson (hamstring) didn’t follow.
The Buccaneers may use all the assistance they will get as they face the Rams, whose protection is second within the NFL with 17.2 factors allowed per recreation.
The Rams are additionally second in turnover ratio at plus-10, whereas the Buccaneers are third at plus-nine.
Los Angeles extensive receiver Xavier Smith (concussion) didn’t follow Wednesday, whereas linebacker Nate Landman (again) was restricted.
–Area Stage Media
