Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Five Rams to watch

The Los Angeles Rams have shifted into a defensive power in this year’s incarnation. The famed offense has struggled to get going. Do not fret, however, the crème de la crème always find a way to emerge victorious.

Welcome to the 2019 Rams.

Next up in the team’s quest to prove its might — and keep its record clean — is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They will face off at the LA Memorial Coliseum.

Let’s get into my five Rams to watch:

LT Andrew Whitworth/RT Rob Havenstein

The Bucs have one of the early season’s premiere pass rushers in Shaquil Barrett. Barrett has fully emerged in his first season as a full time starter, tallying up eight sacks in three games thus far.

The Rams’ duo at tackle will have their hands absolutely full for the game’s entirety with Shaq. Then, lets not forget former Detroit Lions/Miami Dolphins/LA Rams DL Ndamukong Suh.

CB Marcus Peters/Aqib Talib

Tampa boasts one of the league’s top WRs in Mike Evans. Third-year pass catcher Chris Godwin ain’t too shabby either. Evans recently went off for three TDs and 190 yards last week. Godwin had 121 yards and a score in Week 2. It is a pick-your-poison type of situation.

Luckily for LA, we have two good corners in Marcus and Aqib, who cn both hold more than their own. Expect the two to put up a fight and limit the Bucs’ pass catchers.

RB Malcolm Brown

The Rams have to get the running game rolling. It is a requisite for this offense. The pass is not as efficient without it. The best bet to get the ground game going? Malcolm Brown. He has been really quiet since his two TDs and 53 yards in Week 1. It is not known why. But if Todd Gurley cannot get going once again, it will be best for business if McVay can get Brown on the move.

WR Brandin Cooks

Cooper Kupp has been the Rams’ leading receiver through three contests with 23 catches and 268 yards. Brandin, however, is the team’s firepower catalyst. he leads the team with a 17.3 per catch average, 5.6 more yards than the next closest.

Cooks did great hauling in the long passes, but was has effective, if not better, moving the chains. For a Rams offense — and Jared Goff — that is still trying to get its footing, this “Brandin Cooks” is perfect.

ILB Cory Littleton

The Bucs boast two very good running backs in Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones II. Both backs have over 160 rushing yards. Both complement each other well. Jones is the home-run hitter, averaging 5.3 per clip.

The Rams have upgraded in this arena, and Cory is one of those responsible for the improvement. Toss in Littleton’s play in coverage (TB also has a dangerous TE in O.J. Howard), and it makes him an invaluable piece this weekend.