The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the St. Louis Rams, 23 to 13, Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome in a game nearly devoid of big plays for either team. However, while the Buccaneers' offense never found its rhythm, the Rams scored on a 27-yard reverse by rookie WR Stedman Bailey and otherwise used a series of short gains to extend drives and keep the visiting team at bay.
In the end, the Rams had a 277-170 edge in total yards and a tight fourth-quarter lead they were able to extend to a 10-point win. Tampa Bay's defense allowed only three plays of more than 20 yards, and none longer than 28, while also taking away two fumbles, but the Rams were content to grind away with Zac Stacy's 104 rushing yards and a low-wattage, low-risk performance by QB Kellen Clemens (16 of 20 passing for 158 yards and no interceptions).
LB Lavonte David led the Bucs' defense with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery, while DT Gerald McCoy had Tampa Bay's lone sack of Clemens. On offense, the Bucs found success throwing the ball to Vincent Jackson – five catches for 98 yards – but otherwise had little sustained success. RB Bobby Rainey had just 37 yards on 20 carries while QB Mike Glennon completed 16 of 26 passes for 158 yards.
The Buccaneers dropped to 4-11 with the loss while the Rams improved to 7-8. Tampa Bay concludes its 2013 season next Sunday in New Orleans.
