1) Keep quarterback Baker Mayfield in the pocket
Mayfield leads the league in out-of-structure passing yards (245) and ranks ninth in quarterback scramble yards (188), according to Next Gen Stats. He’s very good at avoiding the pass rush while still looking downfield for an open man. Keeping Mayfield bottled up in the pocket will help the Rams limit explosive plays and late-down conversions.
2) Find consistent success in the run game
The Buccaneers are one of the best run defending teams in the NFL, stuffing opponents for zero or negative yards on 21.2% of their carries (the second-highest rate in the league), according to Next Gen Stats. The running back tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum has found success in recent weeks, and Williams is coming off a game that featured his two longest runs of the season (34 and 30 yards). Limiting negative carries against a big, physical Buccaneers front and setting the offense up with short distances on late downs will be critical, especially against a Tampa Bay defense that loves to send confusing pressure packages in obvious passing situations.
3) Don’t let wide receiver Emeka Egbuka win deep
The Buccaneers’ 2025 first-round pick doesn’t play like a rookie receiver. He understands leverage, coverages and how to get lost in the defense, especially against zone coverage, which the Rams have played on the majority of their snaps. A big play or two from Egbuka could turn the game on its head, and he’s prone to making them happen. It’s no coincidence he ranks 12th in the NFL in receiving yards (717) but is tied for 32nd in receptions (45). Nearly half of those yards have come on passes 20-plus yards down the field (332, ranking second in the NFL).
