Because of the Bucs’ ineffective running game, QB Brad Johnson has been forced to shoulder more of the load. But thanks to a leaky offensive line, coupled with Tampa Bay’s need to throw more, opponents have recorded 31 sacks. Rams DRE Grant Wistrom has been very effective, and he should have an edge over rookie OLT Kenyatta Walker, a first-round pick who has been disappointing to date.

WR Keyshawn Johnson has a ton of catches and nice yardage totals, but he has yet to reach the endzone. The Bucs haven’t had a No. 2 wide receiver step up, so Dunn has been much more involved in the passing game. In the last three weeks, Dunn has caught 22 passes for 228 yards.

Tampa Bay had been taking care of the ball well — only eight turnovers in its first eight games — until last week, when the team had five giveaways. That could spell problems vs. a Rams defense that is adept at forcing turnovers.

The Rams enter this game with several defensive starters banged up, including DT Damione Lewis (foot), S Adam Archuleta (concussion), DE Leonard Little (knee) and Mark Fields (ankle).

When the Rams have the ball:

Kurt Warner is as good a quarterback as there is in the NFL today. That said, he has been prone to interceptions this season (13). The Rams also have had trouble holding on to the ball, losing 14 fumbles. That could spell trouble against a Buccaneers defense that has forced 20 turnovers.

While St. Louis has been mistake-prone at times, it also has shown an ability to overcome mishaps with its incredibly quick and diverse offense. Nine different Rams have scored offensive touchdowns this season. St. Louis scores so quickly and in so many different ways that opposing defenses often don’t have time to make adjustments.

With WRs like Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az-Zahir Hakim (check status; ankle), the Rams run a pass-first offense. They’ll match up vs. starting CBs Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly, who have generally played well but were burned for scores last week.

While the Rams are stacked at wideout, their most dangerous weapon is RB Marshall Faulk, who is an outstanding runner and receiver. Backup Trung Candidate also gets into the act on occasion.

Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks can be one of the NFL’s best, but he has been hampered by a nagging foot injury for most of the season.

The Rams feature a strong offensive line, but it will be tested by a Bucs front four that features four former first-round picks. Buccaneers coaches say the unit has been getting pressure on the passer all year, although the sacks have just started to come, with eight in the last two games. DT Warren Sapp has only two sacks on the year.

All game previews and depth charts were compiled as of Nov. 18.

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