Los Angeles @ Tampa Bay preview
Raymond James Stadium
Last Meeting ( Sep 29, 2019 ) Tampa Bay 55, L.A. Rams 40
The Los Angeles Rams have been known for their offensive prowess in recent seasons, and Tom Brady's glittering resume is among the best in NFL history.
However, when the Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Rams on Monday night, the club's defenses could take center stage.
With two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald (nine sacks) leading the way, Los Angeles ranks second in both scoring defense (18.7 points per game) and total defense (296.4 yards per game). The unit also rates third in passing defense (199.7) and fifth in rushing defense (96.8).
While Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians sees a lot of stellar defenders in Rams uniforms, it is Donald who causes the most nightmares.
"Tasmanian Devil," Arians told reporters of how to best describe Donald. "He is nonstop, great get-off. He has a toolbox of moves that are second to none. He's a hell of a football player."
The Buccaneers aren't too shabby themselves as they lead the NFL in rushing defense (76.6) and rank third in total defense (300.3). Tampa Bay stands eighth in scoring defense (22.6) and ninth in passing defense (223.7).
Jason Paul-Pierre (7.5 sacks) is fueling the defensive charge for Tampa Bay (7-3), which is looking for its fifth win in six games. The contest is the first of three straight home games for the Buccaneers, who play four of their last six games at Raymond James Stadium.
The game is also a crucial one for the Rams (6-3), who are just 2-2 since winning four of their first five.
Los Angeles first-year defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has been highly successful this season but is looking forward to Monday night's big test.
You see, the 37-year-old Staley was just a teenager when Brady entered the NFL with the New England Patriots in 2000. He said he has envisioned drawing up schemes to confuse Brady for two decades.
"Every day," Staley told reporters Thursday. "Every day of my life, I've been thinking about an opportunity like that."
Staley will be eyeing a 43-year-old quarterback who doesn't appear to be slowing down. Brady has passed for 2,739 yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season on Florida's west coast, and the Buccaneers rank seventh in the NFL in scoring offense (29.6).
Running back Ronald Jones II is flying high after dashing for a 98-yard touchdown as part of his career-best 192 rushing yards last Sunday in Tampa Bay's 46-23 win over the Carolina Panthers. Jones ranks third in the NFL with 730 rushing yards.
And, of course, Tampa Bay is loaded at receiver since adding controversial Antonio Brown into the mix with receivers Mike Evans (eight touchdown receptions) and Chris Godwin as well as tight end Rob Gronkowski. Brown caught seven passes for 69 yards last week.
The Rams are just 19th in scoring offense (24.0), but quarterback Jared Goff has notched back-to-back 300-yard passing games. Goff has passed for 2,447 yards and 13 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Los Angeles coach Sean McVay is frustrated that the offense hasn't been performing as well as the defense. Only once since September have the Rams scored more than 24 points in a game.
"I've been so pleased with how our defense has played," McVay said on ESPN Los Angeles on Thursday. "I'm not going to make any excuses about (the offense). We're just going to go to work and focus on getting better. We're getting enough yards but not enough points."
When the teams met last season in Week 4, the offenses combined for 982 yards as Tampa Bay registered a 55-40 win in Los Angeles.
"We have to play better," Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles said. "We can't give up 40 points again."
Pierre-Paul (knee) was limited in practice but should be good to go on Monday. Guard Ali Marpet (concussion) practiced on Thursday and is hopeful of playing after missing the previous two games.
The Rams lost standout left tackle Andrew Whitworth (knee) for up to eight weeks last Sunday in a 23-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Joe Noteboom will start in his place.
One unique aspect of Monday's game is that there will be an all-Black officiating crew for the first time in NFL history. The crew will be led by 17-year NFL veteran Jerome Boger.
"Way too long coming," Arians said. "I know a lot of those guys and they are great officials. ... It is a historic night and I think it is fantastic."
--Field Level Media