Rams tape review: Defensive ups-and-downs in a victory over the Buccaneers
The Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 37-32, on Sunday to move to 2-1 on the season and remain at the top of the standings in the NFC West.
Each week we take a look at the tape to review what worked, what didn’t and what you might have missed. Today, we’ll focus on some coverage breakdowns from both teams as well as some defensive highlights.
What: Rams WR Brian Quick catches a 44-yard touchdown pass
Down: Third and seven
Time: 12:05 left in first quarter
Watch how the two safeties rotate over to cover Rams receiver Kenny Britt (18) leaving rookie corner Vernon Hargreaves (28) out of Florida guarding empty space in the middle of the field.
When Brian Quick (83) takes the inside on the post route against Alterraun Verner (21) there’s no one over the top to stop him from scoring.
What: Rams DT Aaron Donald tackles Charles Sims III for a loss
Down: First and 22
Time: 11:32 left in first quarter
This is a great example of what the Rams’ talented defensive line does best: get into the opponent’s backfield.
Here defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) owns second-year guard Ali Marpet (74) pushing him so far into the backfield he’s able to cut off running back Charles Sims’ (34) running lane to the right side.
From there he’s free to collect his third tackle for loss this season.
What: Buccaneers LB Lavonte David gets to QB Case Keenum on a coverage sack
Down: First and 10
Time: 6:08 left in first quarter
This is the definition of a coverage sack. Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) has plenty of time to scan the field only to discover he has no options. Even his potential check-downs are out because tight end Lance Kendricks (88) and running back Todd Gurley (30) are engaged with a defensive end.
Meanwhile, there’s another double-team on defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) from center Tim Barnes (61) and right guard Cody Wichmann (69).
It’s only a matter of time until linebacker Lavonte David (54) recognizes Keenum has no option and runs to the backfield for the sack.
What: RB Todd Gurley rips a 19-yard run and comes up just short of a TD
Down: First and 10
Time: 2:18 left in third quarter
This 19-yard cut up the middle by running back Todd Gurley (30) is his longest run of the year. He’s able to clear the line of scrimmage thanks to a key block by tight end Corey Harkey (46), who had another important block a few plays later when Gurley got into the end zone.
This would have been a touchdown run had Buccaneers safety Keith Tandy (37) not dived at Gurley’s legs and gotten him spinning. Check out Tavon Austin (11) creating some space with a block on Brent Grimes (24) near the end zone.
What: Buccaneers’ TE Cameron Brate left uncovered for a touchdown
Down: Third and one
Time: 9:27 left in fourth quarter
The motion of tight end Alan Cross (45) back and forth behind quarterback Jameis Winston (3) seems to trip up the Rams linebackers who allow tight end Cameron Brate (84) to slip into the back of the end zone uncovered for a touchdown.
What: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans catches a seven-yard pass for a TD against CB Trumaine Johnson
Down: Second and seven
Time: 2:24 left in fourth quarter
Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson kept Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans from making an explosive play, but he allowed him space to work underneath his coverage. Evans finished with 10 catches for 132 yards with his longest going 19.
Here, as Winston scrambles to the right side, you can see Evans make contact and, perhaps, even get a push on Johnson, knocking him off balance.
Evans and Winston connect when the receiver cuts back to the middle.
Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme
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