Look for this game to be one of the most entertaining games of the day on Sunday.  Neither team has much of a defense which could make this game a shootout.  The Rams will likely come out throwing against a Bucs defense that is allowing 224.0 yards passing per game this season.  Marc Bulger will likely use all of the weapons at his disposal in this football game as Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Randy McMichael and Drew Bennett will be attacking the Bucs’ defensive backs.  That’s not all as RB Steven Jackson (118 yards rushing, 3.0 ypc) should find running room against a Bucs defense that is allowing 119.0 yards rushing per game and 4.0 ypc.

The Bucs will likely try to run the football first and then run some play action throwing the ball deep to Joey Galloway against the injury depleted secondary of the Rams.  Cadillac Williams (121 yards rushing, 3.4 ypc, 2 TDs) will likely be the main man in the running game against a Rams defense that is allowing 137.5 yards rushing per game and 4.2 yards per carry.  WR Joey Galloway is a huge mis-match against anyone in the Rams secondary so it’s possible that they will attempt to double team him.  That still might not matter as Galloway (9 rec, 207 yards, 2 TDs) is playing like he still is in his 20’s.  WR Ike Hilliard and TE Alex Smith will also be targeted often in the passing game by Jeff Garcia.

PREDICTION:  This game is a tossup.  I think the game will be high scoring and I have a hunch that the Rams will pull it out by a field goal.  Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs made it two wins in a row.

Considering that the offensive line hasn’t been blocking too well this season and the Rams haven’t been able to run the ball at all……Marc Bulger hasn’t played that bad this season.  The Rams are only averaging 68.5 yards rushing per game and Bulger has already been sacked 7 times this season but he has kept his eye on the prize.  Bulger has completed 46 of 83 passes (55.4%) for 535 yards with 2 TD passes and 0 interceptions (83.2 QB Rating) so far this season.  The line had better start blocking for Bulger and Jackson or Gus Frerotte will get some playing time at QB for the Rams this season and that’s not a good thing.

Rams cornerback Tye Hill will miss the next 4-6 weeks after breaking multiple bones in his back during last Thursday’s practice.  He had 8 tackles in the season opener and he’s definately the best cover corner on the Rams roster.  His injury will force the Rams to start Ronald Bartell (10 tackles, sack) and Lenny Walls (4 tackles) at cornerback until Hill returns.  This will hurt the Rams pass defense big-time.  This injury could force the Rams to push rookie CB Jonathan Wade into action before he’s really ready.

The St. Louis Rams had problems with ball security and along the offensive line and that doomed them in this football game.  Marc Bulger completed 24 of 41 passes for 368 yards with 1 TD pass.  But, he was sacked 6 times as the line didn’t give him enough time and he also lost a fumble.  RB Steven Jackson couldn’t find anywhere to run against the 49ers defense as he carried the football 21 times for 60 yards (2.9 ypc) and he also caught 3 passes for 36 yards (12.0 avg).  WRs Isaac Bruce (8 rec, 145 yards, 18.1 avg) and Torry Holt (5 rec, 74 yards, 1 TD) both had good games Sunday but it wasn’t quite enough to get in the win column.  The Rams finished with 61 yards rushing on 23 carries (2.7 ypc) and they also completed 24 of 41 passes for 331 yards.

The Rams defense played an outstanding game which was a bit of a surprise.  DE James Hall led the way on defense for the Rams with 7 tackles and 1 sack.  Rookie DT Clifton Ryan was all over the football field as he had 4 tackles, 2 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.  The Rams held the 49ers to 89 yards rushing on 28 carries (3.2 ypc).  The Niners also completed 11 of 17 passes for just 97 yards passing.

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=270916014