A couple of things jumped off the screen.
First, was that once the Rams got a comfortable lead, McVay played it the way it needed to be played. No risky pass plays inside their 20 or even 25. Especially on 3rd and long. Run, get what you can, kick it away and let the D do their job.
Second, Stafford was much more satisfied to take check downs and there was more play action passing.
From a strategic standpoint, the game plan itself and the way McVay called it sent a message to Stafford to cool his jets. No need to take risks, he doesn't have to win the game based on his arm, and no need to squeeze every last yard out of a play. On a dead pass play, throw it out of bounds or even take the sack.
No doubt grabbing a lead and holding it played a role. But clearly the game plan with Akers back was run the ball.... a lot.
As for Tampa: they are hard to run on, but they aren't impossible to run on. One of the reasons their D stats look so good in that regard is that their opponent fails behind and then has to pass more to try to catch up.
I suspect McVay may pass more against the Bucs, but not 40 times. I'm hoping he'll be patient with the run and don't give the game away just because they're not moving the ball up and down the field easily. Of course, if the Bucs jump out to a big lead, then the Rams have no choice but to pass. That doesn't even really worry me much, because the Bucs aren't a great pass defense team. And besides: who are they going to double? Double Kupp and you have to deal with OBJ who looks a lot more like the younger OBJ when he could dominate a game.
And, Jefferson is well more than competent, with Higbee a really good TE weapon and Akers back as a good receiving RB. And now Michel and Akers are a seriously good and punishing RB tandem.
I like the Rams odds in this one.
