5 Keys To Victory: Revisited

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1.) A healthy Shaun Hill

QB Austin Davis got the start, as Hill was unable to go as he recovers from his quadriceps injury. Davis performed very well in his first NFL start. He completed 22-of-29 passes for 235 yards and finished with a passer rating of 84.8. Davis appeared poised in the pocket as he completed passes all over the field. He capped of his debut performance by leading the Rams offense on a 12-play 71-yard drive to set up the game-winning 38 yard field goal for K Greg Zurlein.

2.) Re-establish the run

After rushing 22 times for 72 yards last week, the Rams focused more on running the ball. Against the Bucs they totaled 29 carries for 119 yards and and touchdown. Zac Stacy was back to his bruising style of play, and WR’s Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt both had nice runs on reverses that helped move the offense down the field.

3.) Double Gerald McCoy

McCoy left the game and did not return after suffering a fractured hand in the first quarter. A Bucs defense that was already thinned by injuries lost their star defensive tackle, and the Rams capitalized.

4.) William Hayes

Hayes stepped in at LE for Chris Long while he recovers from ankle surgery. He moved all over the line, and he also shared time with undrafted rookie DE Ethan Westbrooks. Hayes was very active, finishing with four tackles. The Rams front was able to generate pressure against QB Josh McCown but they only finished with one sack.

5.) Smother Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans

The Bucs two big wideouts combined for only eight catches for 100 yards and zero touchdowns. For comparisons sake, WR’s Brian Quick and Austin Pettis combined for more catches and yards than Jackson and Evans. The Rams young and injured secondary did a great job of containing them. S Rodney McCleod made a key interception in the redzone when the Bucs were threatening to score in the second quarter.

Check back next week for out 5 Keys to Victory when the Rams take on the Dallas Cowboys in week 3.