Key Matchup
Arguably the Buccaneers’ most dependable defensive player, Antoine Winfield Jr., is still in concussion protocol after he collided with running back Raheem Blaskshear on a tackle against the Panthers. The hybrid safety/nickel corner is a question mark for Sunday’s clash against the Rams and several players could rotate in the role if Winfield is not able to suit up. “We mix the guys up a little bit depending on how we’re going to play,” Head Coach Todd Bowles described. “He’s [Sean Murphy-Bunting] played it before, Dee [Delaney] has played it, Mike [Edwards] has played it, Zyon [McCollum] has even played it. We’re going to continue to monitor during the week and see how everybody is feeling.”
Whoever lines up as the slot corner for Tampa Bay will see a heavy dose of Cooper Kupp. The 2021 receiving triple-crown winner is a nuanced route-runner, adept at picking up yards-after-catch with savviness at the top of routes. Kupp successfully finds the voids in opposing defenses and takes advantage. Because of Kupp’s proficiency on drag routes and working the intermediate area of the field, teams began utilizing more Cover 3 against the Rams in 2022 to try and mitigate L.A.’s efficiency. Kupp is also a stout blocker at the point of attack and possesses quick change-of-direction. The Rams’ do-it-all phenom has established himself among the league’s elite at the position, garnering praise from Bowles.
“He does everything well. He blocks, he runs routes, he’s inside, he’s outside, he’s in the backfield, he’s at the line of scrimmage, he’s in motion, he throws passes, he catches the ball, he’s a very intelligent player, he has a lot of savvy, he’s a very athletic player as well, has good size – that goes unnoticed when he’s blocking but he has good size to get on you. He’s one of the rare players that comes around every couple [of] years but he’s a great player.”
Todd Bowles’ Impression of Sean McVay
For the first time in Sean McVay’s head coaching career, the Rams will sport an under .500 regular season record (3-4) in 2022. Despite the team’s current status, the Rams have reached new heights under the tutelage of young offensive guru, McVay. The Rams are 55-27 in McVay’s six seasons in Los Angeles, winning three NFC West titles, two NFC Championships and a Super Bowl title following the 2021 campaign. His innovative coaching has taken the NFL world by storm over the last few years, gaining recognition from his peers. Behind the podium, Bowles…
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