Heavy Dose of 13 Personnel
The Rams have operated out of "13" personnel (three tight ends, one running back, one receiver) on 18.5% of their plays after using the grouping for a total of six plays over the past four seasons combined. The Rams have been combining Tyler Higbee with Colby Parkinson and rookie Terrance Ferguson to create run-based looks where they can successfully throw the ball, though Higbee was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Overall, the Rams are averaging 4.75 yards per play out of 13 personnel, with a 47% play success rate. If defenses go with a base package, the Rams can pass to create advantageous matchups and if defenses counter with nickel, they can run it against a lighter box. Sean McVay, touted as one of the NFL's most inventive minds, has changed up his play-calling in 2025 and it has produced favorable results.
"It is three tight ends but they can play it out like two tight ends or even one and they are very versatile in what they do," noted Head Coach Todd Bowles. "When they run the three-tight end set, if you are big, they spread you out and they can throw it and if you are small, they can pound you so it is a very smart aspect of their game and what they do. Sean [McVay] is a great coach and does a great job with that. We have to be sharp."
Rams' WR Tandem
Puka Nacua ranks third in the NFL in receptions with 73 and Davante Adams is first in touchdown catches with 10. Adams has a lethal release package and is regarded as a route-running technician. He works all areas of the field and has rare quickness off the line and stop/start capability. Nacua is a bigger-bodied receiver and turns into a running back after the catch with his vision. He breaks arm tackles and is deceptively strong with devastating cuts. Nacua is a stout blocker and can run a full vertical route tree. Both will likely dictate the success of the Rams' offense on Sunday and the Bucs' secondary will face a two-headed monster in Week 12.
"Both are tough and both are aggressive at the line of scrimmage and when you play them one-on-one," described Bowles. "They are very savvy at the top of the route as well. Puka and Davante both have very strong hands and are polished route runners so it will be a challenge for our guys."
Matthew Stafford's Arm Talent
In 2025, Matthew Stafford ranks first in the NFL in passing touchdowns (27), sixth in the NFL in passing yards (2,557) and is third in the NFL in passer rating (112.7). The Rams' signal-caller is proficient at reading defenses and making audibles. He sees defensive formations and makes checks, taking ownership of the offense. Stafford pioneered the no-look pass and can carve up defenses with his arm talent. He manipulates defensive backs with his eyes, moving defenders away from his target. Stafford is a clutch player and possesses an outstanding internal clock. Bucs' quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke candidly on his admiration of Stafford's skillset.
"He can do everything," described Mayfield. "He has always been able to make every throw. As long as he was in Detroit, he didn't get a whole lot of credit for how really good he was and you are seeing that now. To me, he has always been a top-three, or five quarterback in the league, and one of the best, if not the best pure passer ever in the history of the NFL. The way that it comes off of his hand, the way that he can change his arm angles and obviously the no-look passes really started with him. He can do it all and it makes it really tough on the defense. You have to be sound with your eyes but he also knows how to move you."
Tristan Wirfs' Elite Athleticism
The Buccaneers rushed for a season-high 202 yards against the Bills and Tristan Wirfs played an integral role in spurring both Sean Tucker and Rachaad White on runs. On two of Tucker's three touchdowns, Wirfs operated as the lead blocker, pancaking Bills' safety Jordan Poyer on the 43-yard touchdown run. His smooth agility in the open field stuns defenders, as does his quickness out of his stance. Wirfs generates movement in the ground game and solidifies the offensive line. The All-Pro helped set the tone on the ground against the Bills and Mayfield praised his protector.
"It shows that potential when he is out in the open field and is able to make a block like that," noted Mayfield. "It shows his pure athleticism, how big he is, how well he is able to move and obviously the power that comes with it. So yeah, plays like that makes our lives easier. Had not had one like that in a long time so it was good to see and obviously Tuck [Sean Tucker] played really well."
