The Los Angeles Rams are trying to keep the train rolling this week, having won their last five games to take over control of the NFC West. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are next on their schedule, but they won’t be an easy out – even considering all the injuries they’re dealing with.
In order for the Rams to win this game, they’ll need to win these individual matchups. Davante Adams must win against the Bucs’ corners on the outside, Coleman Shelton has to handle Vita Vea and several other players will need to step up in their matchups, too.
Here are five matchups that will decide Sunday’s game.
WR Davante Adams vs. Bucs’ outside CBs
Jamel Dean is out for Sunday’s game, which will thrust Benjamin Morrison into a bigger role on the outside for the second straight week. He and Zyon McCollum will be tasked with covering Adams, which is almost impossible in the red zone – especially for a rookie as inexperienced as Morrison.
This is a mismatch the Rams have to take advantage of and one they’re almost certain to target often. Looking for Adams and Matthew Stafford to get on the same page after a poor showing last week.
C Coleman Shelton vs. NT Vita Vea
Vea is a handful for any center with his sheer size and power on the interior. He’s one of the Buccaneers’ top defenders, ranking second on the team with 30 total pressures despite being a nose tackle.
He’s stout against the run, too, which means Coleman Shelton and the Rams’ guards may need to double him to create running lanes for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. vs. WR Emeka Egbuka
Egbuka plays in the slot and on the outside but he’s lined up on the boundary more often in recent weeks. Forbes is playing with a ton of confidence at the moment after helping lock down Jaxon Smith-Njigba last week and recording picks in each of the previous two games, but Egbuka won’t be an easy coverage assignment, either.
Between Forbes, Cobie Durant and Darious Williams, a lot of attention will be on Egbuka when the Buccaneers have the ball.
OLB Byron Young vs. RT Luke Goedeke
A lot will be made about the matchup between Jared Verse and Tristan Wirfs, but the battle of Young vs. Goedeke on the other side is equally important. Though Young’s sack numbers have tapered off a little bit recently, he’s still generating pressure at a high rate, recording at least four pressures in seven of his last eight games, including the last two.
Baker Mayfield has enough athleticism and mobility that when he escapes the pocket, he can make plays with his legs or extend plays to hit big throws downfield. Young and Verse must keep him contained.
RB Kyren Williams vs. LB Lavonte David
David has long been a playmaker at the linebacker position for the Bucs, helping Tampa Bay rank in the top 10 in rushing yards allowed and 15th in yards per carry allowed. The Buccaneers are susceptible to allowing running backs to produce in the passing game, giving up a league-high 59.6 yards receiving per game to opposing running backs.
That could give Williams an opportunity to contribute as a receiver and make a big play or two in the pass game.