The Buccaneers are set to start their five-game road trip with the defending NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. Tampa Bay has been talking all week about facing off against defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the Rams' third-ranked defense. Coach Arians also talked about the number of offensive weapons LA quarterback Jared Goff has at his disposal in running back Todd Gurley and wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich talked about going against Donald, specifically, as well.
"That is the challenge around the National Football League," Leftwich said. "[Donald] may be the best. You guys see him – this is a man of men, a man amongst men. This is a tough guy, a tough out every time you have an opportunity to play against him. I just left that division down there in Arizona, so I know what he is. You guys know what he is. 99 is difficult to deal with on Sunday's."
Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles even had some high praise for Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, saying, "[He is] very intelligent, you know, that's why he is where he is at. Obviously, it has shown over the past year or so and it's showing again this year. They can run the ball [and] they can throw the ball. He is very innovative. He is very bright. Guys play hard for him – the team loves him and that is evident with how they play. You've got to give him a lot of credit."
Let's take a look and see what the Rams are saying about the Buccaneers, in turn:
In the team's first-look game preview, staff writer Stu Jackson talked about keeping an eye on the Buccaneers' special teams unit after kicker Matt Gay struggled in last Sunday's home loss to the Giants.
Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips talks Bucs' improvements in the ground game. Says "You don't want to sleep on this team."
Rams QB Jared Goff says it will be 'fun' to compete against former Ram and current Buccaneer Ndamukong Suh.
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay remembers watching Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston at Florida State and commends his resiliency.
