LA Rams: 5 games that mean more to Rams than a win or loss

At home versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There was a ‘wrestler’ from the now-defunct National Wrestling Association (NWA) by the name of Ric Flair, whose flamboyant style out of the ring made him the favorite to win the championship belt in the ring. One of his favorite catchphrases in televised interviews before a big match was: “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man”.

Los Angeles Rams

That is never more true than when the LA Rams face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2021. While rather early in the season and not being a division rival opponent, it’s a safe bet to presume that the NFC road to the Super Bowl will run through Tampa Bay. After all, the Buccaneers retained practically all their veterans, while the only team worthy of challenging them, the New Orleans Saints. just witnessed the retirement of future HOFer quarterback Drew Brees.

The LA Rams traveled to Tampa Bay last year, and put up arguably their most complete game of the season is a mildly shocking upset of the Buccaneers by the score of 27-24.  The Rams defense caused an uncharacteristic two interceptions out of veteran quarterback Tom Brady, with the game clincher coming with an interception by rookie defensive back Jordan Fuller at the Rams 31-yard line with a 1:56 remaining on the game clock. That was Fuller’s second interception of the game.

The Rams ended the season with a record of 3-3, while the Buccaneers became red hot and finished out with a 4-1 record. This year’s contest will be huge to the Rams’ aspirations of representing the NFC at SoFi Stadium in Super Bowl LVI. As Ric Flair said so often: To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.  The September 26, 2021 contest will be an early huge test for the LA Rams.