Buccaneers get another chance to stop their nemesis, Rams WR Cooper Kupp

If the banged-up Buccaneers defense can’t stop Rams WR Cooper Kupp on Sunday, Tampa Bay’s losing streak could reach four.

In the past three games against Tampa Bay, all Rams wins, Kupp has 29 receptions, 424 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In last season’s divisional round game against the Bucs, he had nine catches for 183 yards.

Kupp led the NFL in all three of those categories last season — the first receiving Triple Crown winner since Steve Smith in 2005. 

Kupp has been proficient once again this season, putting up four games of more than 100 yards receiving and six total touchdowns, but Los Angeles (3-4) has struggled. The Rams were held to 14 points or fewer in all four losses.

This is good news for the struggling Buccaneers (3-5), who clearly aren’t the same juggernaut as last season’s team. Tampa Bay’s defense has struggled against weaklings Carolina and Pittsburgh. Injuries have sidelined key players, and captains have been called out for lack of effort. 

Help is on the way.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (concussion) will remain out, but cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis probably will return. Pro Bowl defensive end Akiem Hicks is also expected to suit up.    

A revenge-fueled game against Kupp and the Rams offers a perfect chance for Tampa Bay to turn around its season.