Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Austin Pettis (18) catches the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) and free safety Dashon Goldson (38) tackle during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 0-2 after another disappointing showing Sunday afternoon as they were beaten 19-17 by the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium.
With that in mind, there were a number of Buccaneers who didn’t perform to expectations in another Tampa Bay loss.
While Bobby Rainey had an impressive day, the same cannot be said for James. With Doug Martin not playing, James was expected to spell Rainey but ineffectiveness left him on the bench for the majority of the game. James managed a mere seven rushing yards on six carries. Five of his rushes totalled -1 yards as his other run went for eight yards.
The Bucs’ starting strong side linebacker hasn’t had the best of starts to the 2014 season. He was inactive for one preseason game due to a rules violation and managed just two tackles last week. This week was no different as he had two tackles again and was even benched for a few series in favour of Danny Lansanah, who did well in his limited playing time. Simply put, Casillas needs to be better.
Johnson was invisible most of the game Sunday and registered just two tackles. While Johnson didn’t do much of note against the Rams, neither did the rest of the Bucs secondary as Johnthan Banks, Alterraun Verner, Dashon Goldson, Mark Barron and others failed to make any plays in the passing game. The Bucs have yet to have an interception this season, something that must change.