How the Buccaneers Can Beat the Rams
This is a primetime game against one of the strongest teams in the NFC. Oh boy. Based on the last two weeks of Buccaneers game, I’m not sure this team is up to the task of beating the Rams. Can they do it? Sure, but there is a lot going against them.
On defense, they’re probably just screwed. You can’t blitz because Matthew Stafford is a literal God against it (20 TDs and no picks). Not sure you can play man as Jamel Dean will be out and probably Benjamin Morrison as well. I love Jacob Parrish, but he’s 5′ 10″. Puka is 6′ 2″ and Davante Adams is 6′ 1″. Not sure I want to see that match up in man. The Rams are dealing with a few injuries, at least, in terms of IR. They will be missing Tyler Higbee and tackle Rob Havenstein. That should hopefully mean the Bucs can get some pressure on Stafford.
One of the few nice things about Stafford as opposed to some of the other guys they have faced is that they don’t have to worry about his legs most likely. Not to say Stafford is Tom Brady in the pocket, but he isn’t the most mobile anymore.
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On offense, things look slightly less bleak. We still have to watch Michael Jordan play RG, but we should get to see Chris Godwin suit up again. Of course Bucky Irving isn’t playing this week (although it sounds like next week will be when he comes back) so it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. With how Baker Mayfield has been playing, I think leaning on the run game will be vital for the offense’s success. There’s also the fact that the whole Rams’ d-line is made up of bloodthirsty maniacs. If they can get the run game going again, that should help. They have only allowed 3.9 ypc on the year, so it won’t be as easy as against the Bills.
Who should get the majority of those carries is an interesting question. Rachaad definitely is the more steady back and has better vision. But Sean Tucker is a fantastic athlete when he gets going. He just might also be blind. I think Grizzard will know which back to ride with as he did last week. I would like to see some pretty even splits between the two of them unless one back is significantly outplaying the other.
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If this article doesn’t seem very hopeful, that’s because I’m not. I just find it hard to see a path to a Bucs victory here. It’s a combination of how good the Rams have played and how mediocre the Buccaneers have been as of late. The Bucs defense just needs to get the splash plays and hope to God they just hold on when they don’t get those plays. On offense, keep the ball moving and hope Baker makes some good reads and decisions. Having Godwin back may help with the chemistry those two have and may possibly free up Egbuka.
Vikings’ Aaron Jones Sr. Makes Feelings Clear on J.J. McCarthy
The struggles for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy continued in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers, completing 12 of 19 passes for just 87 yards and throwing two interceptions while taking five sacks in the 23-6 loss at Lambeau Field on November 23.
Minnesota had a tough day on offense, managing just six points in the first half and failing to score in the second. The Vikings’ defense fought to stay competitive, but the Packers kept piling on points, eventually putting the game beyond reach.
After the loss to the Packers, Aaron Jones Sr. came to McCarthy’s defense, saying he wouldn’t allow the young quarterback to take all the criticism for their performance.
“On the sideline, I told him, ‘Keep your head up. I’m proud of you. It’s not all on you,'”
Moreover, Jones also had words for Justin Jefferson, who is also experiencing struggles on this offense.
“[Jefferson] handles it well,“ Jones added. “He’s just trying to keep the guys up on the sideline, keep them going, letting us know, hey, take it one play at a time. All that needs to
“He’s one of our true leaders, and you’ll never see him cussing anybody out on the sideline or doing any of that. Justin, he’s always there trying to lift people up or get them going.”
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Remains Confident
Following the Green Bay game, McCarthy spoke about his confidence, despite ongoing difficulties and being limited to only 87 passing yards.
“Confidence is always high, no matter what, because the guy’s in that room, because of the trust and faith in my abilities,
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Backs His QB
With a 4-7 record, removing McCarthy at this stage wouldn’t make sense. The playoffs are out of reach, shifting the focus to the young quarterback proving he can lead next season. As the 2025 NFL season winds down, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell continues to express
“It’s all about his preparation,” O’Connell told reporters after the loss. “It’s all about going back to work and understanding, ‘Hey, this is a new week, very tough road trip ahead of us. We’re going to need our quarterback to have the best week of preparation out of anybody on our team.
“When we find improvement, when we find consistent examples of it, let’s not be in a position where we’re ever going to be a team that celebrates that short-term success. We’re going to be a team that needs to just continue to press onward and execute even better and do your job even better.”
