First Quarter:
The Buccaneers took the ball first. After a couple of runs and a failed deep shot, took to punting first. Their competition boasting a significantly more competent opening drive. Smoothly rolling down
the field, not even deterred by a third down and 20. Lots of Matthew Stafford, lots of Puka Nacua, and a Devante Adams cherry on top. 7-0, Rams.
So what is things didn’t start out too hot, Tampa was set to receive the ball again and get their franchise quarterback on the field. Upon the conclusion of the eternal optimist’s jargon, the Bucs’ offense actually played. The Bucs hit the classic one-step forward two steps back. A nice third down catch by Chris Godwin, converting and reminding Buccaneers’ fans what makes him so essential to Tampa’s offense was followed by Cade Otton single handedly stalling a drive. First and 10 featured a screen pass where Otton missed a block and caused a tackle for loss. Second down saw a pass handed to Otton, he proceeded to bobble it three or four times into Cobie Durant’s waiting arms for a touchdown. Only problem for Otton? Cobie Durant plays for the Rams. 14-0, LA.
Punishment? Accountability? No, thank you. Todd Bowles and Josh Grizzard left Cade Otton in the game and did fans one better— Started their next drive with the pass right to him, incomplete. Second and 10, third and long, punt.
Second Quarter:
Tampa’s hope was the game’s first 15 were the worst 15. Down 14-0, that hope was rapidly diminished. Operating like prime Dan Marino, Matt Stafford tossed touchdown pass number two. 21-0, in a blink.
Trying to dislodge and early dagger, Baker Mayfield used every bit juice he could squeeze out (literally, as he left the game injured) to get Tampa down the field into the end zone. 21-7, Bucs.
If you celebrated that touchdown with some friends, depending on how many high fives and chest bumps you dished out, you may have looked back at the screen and the Rams already had an additional seven points to offset Tez Johnson’s score. 28-7, with a nauseating ease.
LA added another three before the half, Baker Mayfield walked off the field re-injured, and Buccaneers’ fans had a opportunity to get themselves a well-deserved cry during the intermission.
Third Quarter:
The second half started with a penalty against Tampa Bay and an injury to Anthony Nelson— Salt feels good in the wounds. By the eight-minute mark of the third quarter, fans were knee-deep in Teddy Bridgewater time— Salt shaker running light— No points, Rams’ ball. No points, Bucs’ ball.
The monkey-see monkey-do of successive punts last until the…
Fourth Quarter:
For the fans who didn’t participate in the watching of this game’s fourth quarter, smart decision. Among the highlights, some Teddy Bridgewater sacks, lots of fourth down attempts, an announcing crew so digging so deep for content to fill the void of an uninteresting game they highlighted Todd Bowles’ birthplace of Elizabeth New Jersey for minutes on end, hosted an entire side segment about Aaron Donald (A player that has been retired since 2023), an exhilarating Chris Collinsworth tribute, and even a momentary discussion of Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. LA also managed to add another three points. 34-7, Rams— In relatively sleepy Sunday night.
The Buccaneers will have a chance to go home and lick their wounds, however, after three difficult games in a row some of their wounds may be too large to lick.
For more Bucs coverage check us out here:
@Bucs_Nation(X)
@Will_Walsh_NFL(YouTube)
