The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the highest-scoring offense after two weeks of the 2021 NFL season.
They are averaging 39.5 points per game, but they are doing it mainly via their passing game.
Tom Brady already has nine touchdown passes, four of which have gone to tight end Rob Gronkowski.
In contrast, the Buccaneers rank 31st in the run game with 67 yards per game.
This aerial attack is the biggest reason for their 10-game win streak that dates back to last season.
What @TomBrady is doing at the age of 44 is ABSURD. 🐐@Buccaneers | #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/7UQYXgZxq4
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
With a full training camp and preseason at hand, the Buccaneers proved that they are still one of the favorites to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
However, their march to the big game will have a major roadblock in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald will try to disrupt the Buccaneers offensive line every snap.
There’s also Leonard Floyd, who can generate the pass rush when Donald gets double-teamed.
Their front seven is so devastating that the Rams already have six sacks, tied for fourth-most after Week 2.
Carson Wentz' ankle takes a nasty turn after Aaron Donald rips him to the ground. pic.twitter.com/ChjIgulcMU
— The 60FPS & GIF Guy (@IHaveFourBalls) September 19, 2021
Even if quarterbacks could launch a pass, Darious Williams, Jordan Fuller, and Jalen Ramsey are there to shadow the receivers or intercept the ball.
The Rams won the last time these two teams met, 27-24.
Brady threw two interceptions in that game, including a pick to Fuller that preserved Los Angeles’ lead.
This time, Brady is out for vengeance as he tries to lead the Buccaneers to a 3-0 start.
However, the Rams are also gunning for a 3-0 start to stay on top of the NFC West.
Therefore, the Buccaneers will need their vaunted passing game against an elite defensive unit.
These players must play their best football for Tampa Bay to win.
3. Scotty Miller
Both teams already know each other so well that an element of surprise may help them win.
Scotty Miller is yet to play a snap this season, but his speed can fluster the Rams secondary.
Brady can call an audible and let Miller run a go route to leave the defensive backs behind.
Hakeem Nicks (2011) and Scotty Miller (2021) both have first half ending touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. #NFCChampionship #TBvsGB pic.twitter.com/1xdIjsOHpd
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) January 24, 2021
If he does that, he can repeat that touchdown against the Green Bay Packers before halftime of last year’s NFC Championship Game.
Miller Time will help intoxicate the unbreakable Rams defense.
2. Mike Evans
He did have two touchdown catches against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, Mike Evans is yet to have a 100-yard game this season.
Happy Mike Evans day 😁 pic.twitter.com/zjAnYEBJ9A
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 19, 2021
He’s the only starting receiver that is yet to reach the century mark after two games.
They will need all the yards from him because Matthew Stafford will also stretch the field for the Rams.
1. Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown had five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown during their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s a far cry from his one-catch, 17-yard performance versus Atlanta.
Brown must bounce back with a superb outing, granted that he gets to play after testing positive for COVID-19.
Bucs' WR Antonio Brown, who was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list today, tested positive, per league sources. A player that tests positive that is vaccinated can return after two negative tests 24 hours apart, but it will be tough for Brown to play Sunday vs. Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2021
Having him at his best against the Rams will make the Buccaneers impossible to stop.
If he and Godwin can stretch the field, Gronkowski will have a field day with those short to intermediate routes.
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