Joe Theismann explains how roughing the passer calls have changed
Former QB Joe Theismann weighs in on today’s NFL and how roughing calls have changed over the years.
The NFC playoff race comes into focus as the Sunday slate of Week 12 wraps up.
Matthew Stafford’s Los Angeles Rams welcome Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers into SoFi Stadium for a “Sunday Night Football” clash between two teams headed in opposite directions. The Rams are coming off a key win over the rival Seattle Seahawks, moving into a tie for the NFC’s top seed.
The same can’t be said for the visiting Bucs, who have dropped two straight and three of the last four. Injuries have been a major storyline for Tampa all season, having lost Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and more for extended periods of time.
They’ll look to get healthier in time for the postseason, but they have to get there first – especially as the Carolina Panthers make a playoff push of their own.
Neither team has much room for error as we head into the final stretch of the regular season. The Rams are trying to distance themselves in the loaded NFC West. The Bucs are simply trying to survive in a division they’ve owned for years.
A potential rematch could be on the horizon in just a few months, but someone will land the first punch on Sunday night in Hollywood.
USA TODAY Sports is providing live updates from “Sunday Night Football” in Week 12.
It’s been all Rams, all night so far vs. the Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford has been surgical in this game, as evidenced by his three touchdowns, the third, a home-run ball to Davante Adams, who finds the end zone for his second of the night. Rams 28, Buccaneers 7
Tampa needed a score. They got a score. Mayfield engineered a 65-yard drive to get the Bucs on the board, finishing it off with a 14-yard touchdown to the rookie, Tez Johnson. On a night where nothing has gone right, the Bucs will look to climb back into this one. Rams 21, Bucs 7
Hollywood couldn’t script a better opening to this contest for the Rams. They cap off a 12-play, 72-yard drive with another touchdown – this time to Parkinson. On a night where Cobie Durant and Kobie Turner have already made an impact, it’s only fitting that a Colby joins the fun. The Rams are up big with 10 minutes to go in the first half. Rams 21, Buccaneers 0
The first quarter is in the history books and it won’t be kind to the visiting Buccaneers. Tampa had the edge in time of possession, but that’s about it. The Rams are up 14-0 after 15 minutes, while looking to do more damage in the next.
While they play the same position, in name only, the Bucs’ guard has no relation to the Hall of Fame Chicago Bulls guard. Jordan has bounced around in recent years, playing for the Bengals, Panthers, Patriots and Buccaneers in his six-year career.
Things are not going well on offense for Tampa right now. Mayfield is under pressure and the warts are showing for this beaten-up offense. Tampa’s third drive comes to an end after Kobie Turner drops Mayfield for a sack and a nine-yard loss. The Rams go back to work, looking to blow this one open.
Mayfield completed a harmless pass to Cade Otton, or so he thought. The tight end fought the ball the entire way, bobbling it multiple times before Durant came in to take it away. Instead of a seven-yard completion to Otton, it ends up at a 50-yard pick-six for Durant to give the Rams a two-touchdown lead. Rams 14, Buccaneers 0
The Bucs took 4:50 off the clock on their opening drive and didn’t pick up 30 yards. The Rams took 5:38 off the clock and marched 80 yards for an opening drive touchdown. Stafford was surgical, completing all eight of his pass attempts for 89 yards and the touchdown to Adams. L.A. lands the first punch on this Sunday night. Rams 7, Buccaneers 0
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs picked up a pair of first downs on their opening drive but can’t get a third. It ends a nine-play, 28-yard drive and gives the Rams their first possession at their own 20, where Matthew Stafford and co. go to work.
The Bucs’ receiver knows that football is family and decided to spice up his “Sunday Night Football” introduction. Shepard brought his two daughters into the video, allowing them to say the name of his alma mater, Oklahoma. Take a look:
What time is Rams vs. Buccaneers?
The Rams and Buccaneers game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 23.
What channel is Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday night.
Mike Tirico handles the play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth joins in the booth to provide analysis while Melissa Stark reports from the sidelines.
Rams vs. Buccaneers live stream
Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will carry the game (subscription required).
NFL’s proprietary streaming service, NFL+ will carry the game.
Watch “Sunday Night Football” with Fubo (free trial)
Rams vs. Buccaneers prediction
There is plenty of talent on this Bucs roster and certainly enough talent to be a serious Super Bowl contender. Unfortunately for Tampa, most of that game-changing talent happens to be injured. The Rams have won five straight since their Thursday night clunker against the 49ers in Week 5.
Sean McVay’s team looked like a Super Bowl contender in 2024, but fell short. They look like a group that wants to leave no doubt in 2025. The Rams have the coaching edge and the roster edge on Sunday night. They continue their winning ways, while the Bucs continue to hope their stars heal sometime soon. Rams 31-23.
The Buccaneers wide receiver is returning to the field after an injury-riddled 2025 season. He’s played in just two games and grabbed six passes for 52 yards this season.
The Rams still sit atop the NFC West as “SNF” nears. Here’s how they stack up:
- Los Angeles Rams (8-2)
- Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
Rams inactives vs. Buccaneers
Buccaneers inactives vs. Rams
The Buccaneers will once again be without running back Bucky Irving.
Rams vs. Buccaneers live betting odds, moneyline, O/U
