NFC Divisional Round
(4) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rams: Monday night was the best I’ve seen them look since September when they got off to that fast start. I loved the fact they were getting back to consistently running the football. That’s a staple of a Sean McVay offense. Run the ball inside and outside, then use your play-action to push the ball up the field. Speaking of running backs, let me give Cam Akers his flowers. When I saw the news that he tore his Achilles, I was sad for him and I said he was going to be a key piece of the offense. Months later, he’s back and it’s such a remarkable story. For the first time in his career, Matthew Stafford has won a playoff game. The Rams were so in sync in the Wild Card round. I saw a balanced attack on the offensive side. Matthew threw the ball a total of 17 times, but most importantly, no interceptions which are big because he had been careless with the ball at the end of the regular season. How about the defense?! They flew to the ball! I saw Kyler Murray running for his life with the continuous amounts of pressure they applied. Those were the Rams we knew we’re capable of seeing. It’s onto the next round on Sunday afternoon against the defending champions.
Buccaneers: So, I’ll just come right out and say it. The Philadelphia Eagles lost that game more than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won it. To be honest, I wasn’t impressed with how they looked on Sunday in the Wild Card game. The offense wasn’t as explosive as we’re accustomed to seeing and that’s understandable because they’re without a few pieces. I can’t stress enough how key of a piece Chris Godwin is to this offense. He’s the most important piece to this passing attack because he can make plays outside down the field or over the middle where he earns his living. If you watched that game on Sunday, the Tampa offensive line wasn’t strong one bit. Tristan Wirfs got hurt, came back in, and re-aggravated the injury. He’s their best offensive lineman and has had an immediate impact since he was drafted in 2020. While things may look a bit different, I won’t necessarily count them out because of one person. Tom Brady. The playoffs are what’s separated him from every other quarterback in NFL history. He’s done it on the biggest stage when it counts the most. I’ve seen him do it with lesser names and still won football games. The Bucs will look to get back to another conference title game this Sunday.
Rams X-Factor: Von Miller– This is EXACTLY why you acquired him. For a game of this magnitude. He hasn’t missed a beat. When the Rams acquired Von, I said they were adding a guy who’s played in big games and also has that championship pedigree, something many guys on the team don’t have much of. He brings that veteran leadership that’s needed. Look for him to apply that pressure early on.
Buccaneers X-Factor: Shaq Barrett– He added a strong boost last weekend against the Eagles. Shaq is the Bucs best pass rusher. I’ve watched him use a variety of moves to get to the passer. If you don’t chip him or bring extra help on the side where he is, he will destroy your game plan. Shaq is a key piece to the puzzle in Tampa Bay. His speed and release off the snap of the ball are top-notch. When he got that contract extension last off-season, he deserved every penny.
Final Thoughts: I just had a feeling these two would meet again come playoff time. I remember saying that in September before their regular-season meeting. I always tell the formula on how to beat Tom Brady. The first thing is to get him in long-yardage situations. Push him back and allow him to earn his yards. Next, sit people at the line of scrimmage as if you’re showing blitz, then drop back with the disguised look and force him to throw the ball outside of the numbers. Take away the middle of the field. The Rams can do everything I just listed. It’s key to give Tom a few “remember me” hits and collapse his pocket. Make him run. The Rams have the offense to get into a shootout, but they must slow the game down. Run the ball. Allow Stafford to use balance. When I previewed this matchup in September, I said the game would come down to pressure and which team could apply it more consistently. I can say the same for this matchup.
Prediction: Rams 26, Buccaneers 20
