After doing just enough to find themselves tied atop the NFC last week, the Los Angeles Rams will move on to a test against another division leader on Sunday night when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive in Inglewood, California.
The Rams (8-2) have moved into second place in the NFC, and since a Week 3 loss to the No. 1 seed Philadelphia Eagles, they have won six of seven games. They avenged the only back-to-back loss by overtaking the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10.
Last week, the Rams struggled to break through against the Seattle Seahawks’ defense, but they still earned a 21-19 victory in the battle for first place in the NFC West.
Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for a season-low 130 yards but had two touchdown passes to give him an NFL-best 27 this season. Puka Nacua had seven catches for 75 yards and Kyren Williams rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown.
On defense, the Rams intercepted Sam Darnold four times, including two Kam Kinchens picks.
“Our defense was great,” McVay said. “I thought they were at their best in the biggest moments. I thought it was great to be able to force turnovers and be able to tighten up in the red zone like we did. … A lot of confidence on offense and defense when you (get results) like that.”
A major concern for the Rams is injuries, as safety Quentin Lake (elbow), tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle, knee) all went on injured reserve.
Tight end has been a strength for McVay, who has used three tight end sets using Higbee, Davis Allen, rookie Terrance Ferguson and Colby Parkinson.
This look is the latest example of McVay’s ever-evolving offensive approach, with Stafford compiling 22 touchdown passes and no interceptions over his last seven games.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield continues to look sharp in his third season in Tampa Bay. While his completion percentage (63.5%) and touchdown passes (17) are behind his impressive totals of 71.4% and 41, respectively, last season, he has just three interceptions in 10 games after leading the NFL with 16 last year.
Mayfield reignited his career with a short stop in Los Angeles in 2022. In just five late-season games (four starts) for the Rams, he showed he still had the talent to be a winner, leading to a free agent deal with the Buccaneers this offseason.
“It was pivotal in my journey,” Mayfield said this week of his time in Los Angeles. “It helped me get the joy of football back, that joy. And just learning from those (coaches). … They helped me find out what offense I really want to play in. That’s something I’ll be forever grateful for.”
After two Pro Bowl selections in two seasons with the Buccaneers, Mayfield put Tampa Bay atop the NFC South by a half-game over the Carolina Panthers.
A defense that helped pave the way to a 6-2 start this season has been dealing with it since the team’s bye week. Tampa Bay is coming off a 28-23 home loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10 and a 44-32 loss at Buffalo last week. The Bills’ Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and scored three more scores.
Sean Tucker had 106 rushing yards for Tampa Bay, which recorded a season-high 202 rushing yards.
The Buccaneers are still awaiting the return of wideout Chris Godwin (fibula) and running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), who were limited Wednesday. Linebackers Chris Braswell Jr. (foot) and Haason Reddick (ankle, knee), cornerback Jamel Dean (hip) and guard Ben Bredson (hamstring) did not practice.
The Buccaneers could use all the help they can get against the Rams, whose defense is second in the NFL with 17.2 points allowed per game.
The Rams are also second in turnover rate at plus-10, while the Buccaneers are third at plus-nine.
Los Angeles receiver Xavier Smith (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, while linebacker Nate Landman (back) was limited.
–Field level media
