If the Patriots want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to enter halftime with the lead. Since 2017 the Rams are 33-0 when leading at the half at home.
RAM LOSSES- The Rams are a bit of an odd team. If one were to just compare their statistics to the Patriots, the Rams would obviously be favored to win. Only having 4 losses, the Rams are tied for 1st in the NFC East. Two of their losses come from the 49ers who are last in their division. The other two come from AFC East pals: MIami and Buffalo.
NO HUDDLE- The Rams like to play fast and eat teams up with their NFL best, no huddle offense. Of course that was also their M.O. when we took care of them in the Super Bowl 2 years ago. While a month ago I would have been a bit more nervous, defensive play by the Patriots has really picked up. A big thing for today's game is to be cautious with timeouts so they can be used if we get caught with the wrong personnel on the field. It's also good to know that the Rams still love to pass out of play action, so don't get sucked in. Definitely a bend but don't break kind of day.
NO HUDDLE- The Rams like to play fast and eat teams up with their NFL best, no huddle offense. Of course that was also their M.O. when we took care of them in the Super Bowl 2 years ago. While a month ago I would have been a bit more nervous, defensive play by the Patriots has really picked up. A big thing for today's game is to be cautious with timeouts so they can be used if we get caught with the wrong personnel on the field. It's also good to know that the Rams still love to pass out of play action, so don't get sucked in. Definitely a bend but don't break kind of day.
SLOW AND STEADY- Offensively the Patriots need to get first downs. Focusing on solid first down play-calling to put them into 2nd and short situations is in my mind the only place the coaching could screw this game up. While Josh McDaniels called a great game last week, I still don't trust him. Luckily for the Patriots, inside linebacker, Micah Kiser, is on the IR, so there is one less athletic linebacker looking to snuff out a play. The Rams have thrived on points off turnovers in recent years, so ball security as usual is a must.
ORDINARY SPECIAL TEAMS- Field position and error free special teams. While I'd love to see some more spectacular play from special teams, I'll be satisfied with the usual solid field position combined with no bad plays.
​THURSDAY NIGHT- Playing a Thursday night game against a west coast team usually doesn't fare too well for Eastern Time Zone teams. By staying in California, I think the night factor won't come into play. Other people thought it was stupid for the Bucs to practice at night before a late game, I don't agree with that. While it might not matter a whole lot when your at home or didn't travel a few time zones, adjusting your body for the later game time can't hurt.
ORDINARY SPECIAL TEAMS- Field position and error free special teams. While I'd love to see some more spectacular play from special teams, I'll be satisfied with the usual solid field position combined with no bad plays.
​THURSDAY NIGHT- Playing a Thursday night game against a west coast team usually doesn't fare too well for Eastern Time Zone teams. By staying in California, I think the night factor won't come into play. Other people thought it was stupid for the Bucs to practice at night before a late game, I don't agree with that. While it might not matter a whole lot when your at home or didn't travel a few time zones, adjusting your body for the later game time can't hurt.
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