3 Keys And A Pick: St Louis Rams Vs Buccaneers
Dec 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) celebrates after causing and recovering a fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Saints 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
It’s gameday for the final time this season in St. Louis. As we close out the Dome for the 2013 season, we are going back in time to the 1999-2000. The Rams will wear the light blue throwbacks that they wore in the 2000 NFC Championship game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So will they recapture that magic and keep the hopes of a .500 season alive? Here is the 3 keys and a prediction for the St Louis Rams versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1. Keep “Big Mo” on your side.
Momentum is huge in football and the NFL is no different. The Rams were able to hold on for the upset of the New Orleans Saints by getting on them early in the first quarter. In fact, every game the Rams have won (with the exception of the Jacksonville game), the Rams were either tied or led after the first quarter. Getting on top of the Buccaneers early is going to be key to getting the win.
2. Keep the pressure on Mike Glennon.
Mike Glennon likely saved Greg Schiano’s job for at least 1 more season in Tampa Bay. However, he is still a rookie. The Rams have the best pass rush in the NFL. However, just the idea that the Rams are going bring the pass rush can be enough to knock the offensive line of Tampa Bay off their game. That can create gaps and mismatches that the Rams can exploit to get Mike Glennon to make a bad throw to the Rams secondary. So the Rams need to keep the pressure on the Tampa Bay offensive line. That will lead to positive plays for the defense.
3. Feed Zac Stacy over and over again.
This one is pretty simple. Tavon Austin is likely out for this game with an ankle injury. Zac Stacy has to be the focal point of today’s offensive attack. Giving the ball to Zac Stacy will create opportunities in the playaction passing game. He must be involved in at least 40% of the offensive plays whether running the ball or faking the run to set up the playaction pass.
Prediction
The St Louis Rams seem to always play well against good teams, however when they are playing an “inferior” opponent, they don’t bring the same intensity. Winning or losing this game isn’t going to make much of a difference in this season but at least the Rams can finish strong. I expect the St Louis Rams to finish out the home season strong with a huge win over the Buccaneers.
Rams win 34-23
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