Bucs QB Tom Brady not getting special treatment from LA Rams or Refs

After the LA Rams played one of their best defensive outings in the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs, many of the detractors of Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris were unwilling to give the defense much credit. Rather than applaud the Rams defensive stinginess, allowing just 183 yards, 122 yards, and two interceptions through the air, and just 61 yards and one touchdown on the ground, they all claimed to just wait until the LA Rams defense faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense and veteran quarterback Tom Brady.

Even as the Rams defense was getting hot, they were facing one of the most successful playoff quarterbacks in NFL history. But even more than that. Brady even admitted that he gets away with a lot of unsportsmanlike conduct during games, and was bold enough to do so publicly before the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs game.

Of course, embarrassing NFL officials who bend the rules to help you out is not the smartest move in the book, is it? It proved to be wrong when the officials tossed a penalty flag on Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady on a first down and 10 to go at the LA Rams 43-yard line. After an eight-yard gain, Brady tried to get away with one of his patented unsportsmanlike conduct plays, and the official would have none of it. Rather than second-down and short yardage, the Buccaneers were pushed back to the LA Rams 50-yard line and faced second-down and 17 yards to go.

The Bucs would get the first down, but would ultimately miss a 48-yard field goal attempt.

While the LA Rams pass rush has sacked Brady just once, they have frustrated him relentlessly in this one. Brady is just 10 of 22 for 112 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception by reserve defensive back Nick Scott.

Brady is having a very bad game. If the LA Rams can put up another score before the Buccaneers figure out their offense malady, that will put a lot of pressure on the Buccaneers’ offense to open up the passing game.