Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams proved themselves in primetime as they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 34-7, on Sunday Night Football. Heading into the game, the Rams had the opportunity to take over as the number one seed in the NFC with the Philadelphia Eagles losing to the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams didn’t just beat the Buccaneers, but made a statement that they aren’t just front-runners in the NFC, but the NFL. Matthew Stafford and the offense came out and played nearly flawless while the defense continued to show why they are one of the best. Let’s get into this week’s ten takeaways.
When the Rams come out ready to play, they are one of the more difficult teams in the NFL to stop. It’s possible that the Rams knew that the number one seed is on the line, but they played like they were the best team in the NFC. They came out and had a near-flawless opening drive and then Cobie Durant had the interception returned for a touchdown five plays into the Buccaneers’ first possession. It may have only been halfway through the first quarter, but the game felt over.
It was exactly the type of start that the Rams needed to not just put the game script in their favor, but make a statement in primetime. Matthew Stafford and the Rams hadn’t won on Sunday Night Football since beating the Chicago Bears 34-14 in Week 1 of the 2021 season. This game had that same feeling. When Stafford hit Van Jefferson on the opening drive for a touchdown, you knew that team was very good. The same can be said about this team. When Stafford hit Davante Adams for a touchdown only for Durant to score on defense immediately after, this team has a different feel to it.
On Sunday afternoon, Drake Maye threw for 294 yards and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals to lead the Patriots to 10-2. Patriots fans chanted MVP as Maye walked off the field in Cincinnati. To put those chants to bed, Stafford started the game on Sunday night a perfect 12-for-12 with 121 yards and a touchdown. He finished 25-for-35 for 273 yards and three touchdowns.
Stafford now has 30 touchdowns to two interceptions. He joined Patrick Mahomes as the only other player in NFL history with at least 30 touchdown passes and two interceptions in their team’s first 11 games. The only other quarterback in Rams history with multiple 30 touchdown seasons is Kurt Warner. Stafford is 37 years old and playing the best football of his career. That just so happens to also be at an MVP level.
This Rams defense is currently playing at an unbelievable level. While the Buccaneers were without Baker Mayfield for half of this game, the defense was dominating with Mayfield under center. The Buccaneers’ offense hasn’t been...
