Tampa Bay Buccaneers Best vs. St. Louis Rams
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey (43) runs the the ball in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 0-2 after a 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams Sunday afternoon.
Despite another loss to start the Lovie Smith era, there were a few good Bucs performers.
Rainey stepped into the starting role at running back after Doug Martin was ruled out due to injury. He put up 144 yards on 22 carries with a long of 31-yards and also caught three passes for 30 yards. After a quiet preseason, Rainey looked like the player we saw in the 2013 season when he inherited the starting role and with Martin’s injury woes, the Bucs are likely going to rely on Rainey a lot in 2014.
After Gerald McCoy went down injured with a broken hand, McDonald stepped up to the plate. He had seven tackles and his first sack as a Buccaneer. He also had a tackle for loss. McDonald saw time at nose tackle and at the three technique in what was a busy day for the Bucs’ free agent signing.
Gholston got the start this week since the Bucs were without Michael Johnson and Adrian Clayborn. Gholston didn’t play last week but he continue his hot streak from the end of 2013 into the 2014 season as he had six tackles on Sunday as well as a sack. Gholston will be relied upon heavily this year since Clayborn is now out for the season and if he can continue his form as the season progresses he’s going to be in line for a big year.