David Long Jr. is one of Rams’ most important players vs. Bucs this week
After two seasons of serving as a backup in the secondary, David Long Jr. has seen his role grow massively this year. He’s replaced Troy Hill at cornerback, becoming the fifth defensive back on the field when the Rams go to their nickel package.
For the most part, he’s held up well. He’s earned a 66.7 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus through two games, allowing five catches on eight targets with one interception and no touchdowns surrendered.
He’s been a big part of the secondary’s performance up to this point even if he has only played 64% of the defensive snaps, and his value to the Rams will only increase as the season goes on – especially on Sunday against the Buccaneers.
The Rams are going up against an elite receiving corps that’s headlined by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Antonio Brown is also a huge part of Tom Brady’s cast of weapons, but he could miss the game after landing on COVID-19 reserve.
Even if Brown can’t play, Long should be on the field often, given how frequently the Buccaneers use 11 personnel (60% of the time, according to Sharp Football Stats). That means the Rams will have to match with their nickel defense, putting Long on the field with Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams.
When the Bucs go to their three-receiver sets, it’ll likely be Evans, Godwin and either Tyler Johnson or Scotty Miller on the field. Both of those guys are explosive and dangerous downfield threats, requiring attention from the safeties.
Depending on how the Rams plan to deploy Ramsey, Long could be tasked with covering Godwin or Evans from time to time. Los Angeles might need Ramsey on Gronk in the red zone, or they could use him in the slot like they have fairly often so far this season. Evans isn’t going to play the slot, which means Long could be lined up outside against one of the two premier receivers.
He’ll get help from the safeties no matter where he lines up, but Long can’t become a player Brady picks on in coverage, otherwise it could be a long day for the third-year corner. Brady knows how to identify a weakness on defense and when he does, he exploits it.
Long will have to be at his best against one of the top receiving groups in the NFL – even if Brown can’t play.
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