“The Biggest Mismatch”
January 20th, 2022
Cameron Brate’s Gronk spike.
So what’s the biggest mismatch in the Bucs-Rams clash on Sunday at The Licht House?
A renowned coach and Tom Brady authority has a firm opinion that should calm the nerves of overly fearful Bucs fans that are starting to annoy Joe.
The Buccaneers’ stable of tight ends are a lethal combination against the Rams’ depleted crew of safeties, says Charlie Weis. Tom Brady’s former Patriots offensive coordinator and the playcaller who guided Vinny Testaverde (Jets) and Matt Cassel (Chiefs) to Pro Bowl seasons.
Weis was barking on SiriusXM NFL Radio yesterday and sort of telling anyone doubting the Bucs to shutup. Per Weis, the Cardinals had the wrong approach not attacking the Rams’ safeties and the Bucs will not make that mistake.
Weis is very confident the Bucs’ stable of tight ends will be a massive and successful part of the gameplan.
If so, that would mean Rob Gronkowski isn’t staying in to block on the right edge, where All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs is doubtful.
Weis said missing Wirfs shouldn’t be an issue because the Bucs would have a full week to gameplan around the loss of Wirfs. But losing Wirfs and Ryan Jensen (they both have bad ankles) would be a very different and difficult story, Weis explained.
Joe will be very confident if the O-line is only down Wirfs. The Rams are down bodies, as well, and Joe considers the Bucs defense to be underrated given the current healthy players on that side of the ball.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:00 pm
This has the NO and GB and KC vibe all over it…keep the pessimism and betting against our Bucs coming!! They feed on that sh!t!!
Bucs win 34-24…flip the script from earlier this year!!!
January 20th, 2022 at 5:05 pm
TB-12 to Gronk on that seam pass is as great a play in NFL history.
Teams know its coming and cant stop it.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Between Vea, McClendon, n Roche,they can hold the fort dow so let’s loan Suh to the offense then really see the true meaning of ADonald “choking”, if u know what I mean.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Gronk can have a field day, and so can Brate and OJ Howard, as long as Brady has time.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Love the idea dmatt!
January 20th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
If the Bucs D has the game of their lives and absolutely mauls the Rams we have a good shot. But let’s be realistic, the loss of about half of our Offensive stars is a damn good reason to be “fearful.” Fear in the sense we can’t run the ball a lot, have trouble moving the chains, and our D is on the field more than our O and our defense gets tired and worn down. That thought is scary.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:20 pm
chris@appleroofcleaningtampa
The day OJ Howard have a field day during a crunch time win or go home game, is the year without a reasonable doubt, no one scores a td on us leading up to the Super Bowl. OJ is just OJ.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:21 pm
Assign VEA on goal-line as FB to “spy” A Donald with 1 task: Go pancake Donald, even if he’s in the bathroom. Silly but funny.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
I guess maybe I’m dumb. My dad said I was dumb, mom said I was dumb, my kids said I was dumb, my wife said I was dumb, my wife’s boyfriend said I’m dumb, my dog just sits and shakes his head when I can’t remember the numbers to our front door lock. BUT, what I do have is a great gut feeling. If my gut feels like we are going to have a bad game we usually have a bad game. But I have to tell you guys l have a really good feeling about the Bucs in this weekend’s game. 24-21 Bucs.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:25 pm
I wonder if we will need to count on Gronk to do more blocking and if that will limit him in the passing game. With us being so depleted at receiver, we really will need our running backs and other tight ends to step up their games. This will be a great time for O.J. Howard to prove to the world he is healthy and an impact player. This feels too much like a New Orleans game…but I have hope.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:39 pm
I dunno. I think we need our TEs to block as much as possible. Their front seven will make it a tough night for the Bucs. Sure wish OJ Howard would play to even half his athletic potential.
January 20th, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Not for aa second am I worried about Tom Brady not having enough weapons to put up big points.
That right side of our line is my big concern. If we can have somebody step up to the challenge we are in great shape to take down the Rams. Especially when we got the GRAVEDIGGERS on the other side!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!
January 20th, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Somebody has to sub for Wirfs if he doesn’t go. Anyone’s guess at this point who that’ll be. Could slide Cappa over and backfill
at RG or could opt to take a different approach. In any event, I think Weis is right in that Bucs will use multiple TE sets.
I also expect though to see a lot of Scotty Miller. He was used more in the 2nd game against the Saints (58 offensive snaps) and against the Rams (32 offensive snaps) than he was against any other team by far. No Antonio Brown in either game, so I imagine that Bucs saw an opportunity to stretch the field against those 2 defenses with Scotty’s speed. He was only targeted 3 times in each game, but caught 2 in each game. Unfortunately none of those were especially deep, but at least the opposing Secondaries had to respect his speed & adjust accordingly.
January 20th, 2022 at 6:08 pm
1st drive will be very important.
January 20th, 2022 at 6:19 pm
Rams’ LT Whitworth is also injured. The biggest mismatch may be Shaq vs Whitworth.
January 20th, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Gronk can release when the goings good and grab those underneath passes all day long, first guy never manages to bring him down
January 20th, 2022 at 8:57 pm
this the moment where either your sails stay full , or slowly flap in the breeze . . drifting aimlessly to the deep sea. it’s called pertinent matchups. our defense should be able to feed like frenzy. many of our d. did not play 1rst. time. lots of chip blocks before flowing to the open flat for Brady’s quick release. Would love to see beasters Vita , or Suh score an TAUGHWDEE. . N.F.C. Championship. Tpa . Fla .
January 20th, 2022 at 9:11 pm
I feel like Vaughn is gonna break another big one. I think he will be the surprise of the game. I think given the shot he can be a very good back. He looked much better in the passing game last week. Give him time…
January 20th, 2022 at 9:13 pm
I hope Boron’s Leftwyrst is planning what Charlie is dishing. Attack the safeties, who are hopefully close to the box to stop the run because the Bucs can establish a run game too.
Boron – listen up! Run the ball, Mike in motion, quick passes, play action, screens, play action screens, and what Peter you do –
Do not drop Tom back seven steps every play for the entire first half! Please, Boron, don’t be a moron.
January 20th, 2022 at 9:14 pm
*whatever you do
January 20th, 2022 at 9:47 pm
Rams 30 Bucs 13 Rams combine for 6 sacks.
January 20th, 2022 at 9:50 pm
Joe maybe it’s the lost decade that keeps doubt in the back of the mind
January 21st, 2022 at 12:38 am
It’s about two-thirds of the 45 seasons that has solidified doubt in the forefront of my mind.
January 21st, 2022 at 5:40 am
There may be Key Rams players that get injured as well. There will be a few tricks in the game plan.
January 21st, 2022 at 6:42 am
Bugger off, Jeff!