Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Studs and duds vs. Rams in Week 4
By Kamil Roy
Stud: The Running Game
On a number of occasions, both Buccaneers running backs, Peyton Barber and second-year pro Ronald Jones, ran through the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive front like Swiss cheese. Combining for 89 yards and two scores on the day, both backs kept the tempo and momentum of the team going, getting first downs and ensuring Buccaneers maintained possession of the ball.
Despite Winston throwing being the focal point of the offense for the majority of the game, the running backs rose to the occasion when necessary. That’s a positive sign for a balanced offensive attack moving forward.
Stud: Jordan Whitehead
Although the offense was impressive, one cannot forget the number of passes the defense intercepted to put Winston and co. into good positions. While all three interceptions were great plays that further ensured the Buccaneers’ victory, the pick that was easily the most impressive was that by safety Jordan Whitehead.
As Rams quarterback Jared Goff dropped back and threw a pass, Whitehead jumped perfectly into the path of the pass to catch the ball and return it for 11 yards. After showing promise during the preseason, the safety demonstrated his exceptional skill and athleticism against the Rams. He also finished the game with three pass deflections. Whitehead was a major factor in the defensive playmaking that helped spark the big effort by Tampa Bay.