PFW's Game of the Week

Faulk made life miserable for the Minnesota defense, gaining 178 total yards while scoring a team-record four rushing TDs and increasing his league-leading TD total to 19.

The Bucs’ LB corps, featuring ’99 Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks outside and Jamie Duncan (seven tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery vs. Miami) in the middle, must be at their best against Faulk, whose quickness and cutting ability was as sharp as it’s been since before the knee injury that forced him to miss two games.

Warner also returned to peak form, completing his first 11 passes behind excellent protection from a Rams offensive line that has really struggled at times. St. Louis’ front wall needs to keep it up against DT Warren Sapp and DE Marcus Jones, who have combined for 26½ sacks.

Tampa Bay defenders must avoid giving up the big play, concentrate on making sure tackles, keep the action in front of them and continue their knack for forcing turnovers. Heading into Week 14, Warner had the third-worst interception percentage in the league behind San Diego’s Ryan Leaf and Dallas’ Troy Aikman. Warner was not picked off last week.

WHEN THE BUCCANEERS HAVE THE BALL:

If the Rams’ defense can figure out a way to contain Dunn, it could be in business, since the rest of Tampa Bay’s attack leaves a lot to be desired.

The elusive Dunn has become a real workhorse, averaging 23.3 carries in the last three games. St. Louis defenders must keep an especially close eye on Dunn in three-WR sets, where he has a better shot at making things happen with more space in which to operate.

With consultant Bud Carson now calling the signals, the Rams’ defense has shown major improvement in the last two weeks with a much more aggressive approach. After limiting Carolina to 237 yards (a Rams season best) the previous week, St. Louis held Minnesota to its second-lowest yardage output of the season.

Rams DTs Ray Agnew, D’Marco Farr and Jeff Zgonina must keep the pressure on Tampa Bay C Jeff Christy and OLG Randall McDaniel, who have become more comfortable pulling and angle blocking for Dunn in an effort to get him open on the perimeter.

As was the case in last year’s playoff game, the Rams’ defense will try to force QB Shaun King to beat them. However, King, who has fewer than 20 pass attempts in each of his last four games, might try to throw more vs. a Rams secondary that has had problems providing consistent coverage.

A key matchup pits Bucs WR Keyshawn Johnson vs. CB Dexter McCleon, who has been the Rams’ best defender.

All game previews and depth charts were compiled as of Dec. 10, 2000

Rams schedule
All times Eastern

Buccaneers schedule
All times Eastern

Rams depth chart

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

* Rookie

Buccaneers depth chart

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

* Rookie