Tampa will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in their home opener, and they will welcome one of the weakest offenses in the NFL. The Rams are dead last in total offense averaging paltry 234 yards per game and have only scored nine points in two games.
This Los Angeles offense may be exactly what the Bucs defense need as they have struggled so far giving up 64 points in two games. The Bucs revamped defense under Mike Smith has been disappointing so far ranking 21st in the NFL allowing 395 yards per game. The pass defense has been underwhelming ranking 27th allowing 318.5 yards through the air. The Bucs have faced good passing offenses so far facing Atlanta who ranks number one in the NFL in passing offense and the Cardinals who rank 8th. They will see the 32nd ranked passing offense as Case Keenum has struggled to throw for only 369 yards in two games with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
The running game of the Rams has been slow also as Todd Gurley has struggled to average just 2.7 yards per carry. The one bright spot for the Bucs has been the rush defense as they are only giving up 76.5 yards per game and three yards per rush. If the Bucs can keep the running game in check they should put the pressure on Keenum and the struggling passing game of the Rams.
The Rams defense ranks 10th and they held Russell Wilson and the Seahawks to just a field goal in their win one Sunday. Los Angeles is pretty consistent as they are ninth in passing defense and 14th in rushing defense. The health of Doug Martin will be important as he will be needed to get the offense going and take the pressure off of Jameis Winston who had five turnovers against the Cardinals.
With the Rams anemic offense and the Bucs who may have a weakened run game, the game could be low scoring like the Rams 9-3 win on Sunday. Winston needs to come back strong from the defeat in Arizona and keep the turnovers to a minimum. The Bucs struggling pass defense should come back strong against the lackluster Rams offense, and as long as the rush defense continues their good play they should come away with a win at home.
