After a long and arduous road, the Los Angeles Rams have made it to Super Bowl LVI where they will have a shot to validate all the blockbuster moves they made to get to this point.
Standing in their way are the upstart Cincinnati Bengals who arrived earlier than most expected. While they are young, the Bengals are not to be overlooked as they have an explosive offense headlined by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase along with a defense that has been playing its best football of the year.
The Rams, filled with stars across the roster, are going to have to be at their best if they hope to realize their dreams of holding the Lombardi Trophy.
Rams Offense vs. Bengals Defense
Throughout the postseason, Matthew Stafford has elevated his game to a new level, but he may have trouble in the Super Bowl against a Bengals defense that has been playing lights out. In the AFC Championship game, Cincinnati was able to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half thanks to their secondary that has been on the steadiest groups in the NFL.
The difference between the Rams and the Chiefs, however, is the former uses the run to set up their passing game, which means Cam Akers and Sony Michel may get a steady diet of early-down opportunities. Darrell Henderson could also mix in as a change of pace back after being activated, setting up more options in the backfield.
If the Rams can establish the run, the receiving corps of Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr. and Van Jefferson should see their fair share of looks. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, they will be without Tyler Higbee, so Kupp and Beckham may be used more in the intermediate section of the field.
As far as the trenches go, the Bengals have had success rushing the passer so the Rams offensive line will need to be able to keep Stafford upright in order to let plays properly develop downfield.
Rams Defense vs. Bengals Offense
While L.A. has a potent offense, Cincinnati is one of the few teams in the NFL that can match them as far as talent goes. Burrow has been brilliant navigating pressure in the pocket and with his trio of receivers in Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd it could mean trouble for L.A. if they do not find a way to slow them down. The marquee matchup is going to be between Chase and Jalen Ramsey on the outside, and if the latter can hold up in coverage then it should allow the Rams to blanket Higgins on the opposite side.
One massive advantage Los Angeles has up front as their star-studded defensive line should be able to wreak havoc against one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and Leonard Floyd will have opportunities to get after Burrow and it will be interesting to see how Bengals head coach Zac Taylor schemes his way out of the Rams vicious pass rush.
The Rams will get a boost in run support against Joe Mixon as Sebastian Joseph-Day is also set to return. Joseph-Day is a stout run defender who figures to mix in on early downs, giving Los Angeles a solid rotation of him, A’Shawn Robinson, and Greg Gaines.
Keys To Victory
1. Win at the line of scrimmage
Los Angeles is rated as one of the best run defenses in the NFL, and if they can slow down the Bengals run game then it will set up their pass rush to do its thing. The talk heading into the Super Bowl has been centered on the Rams pass rush versus the Bengals offensive line and it could very well decide the matchup.
2. Finish red zone drives with touchdowns
There have been too many instances where the Rams have gotten all the way in the red zone only to settle for field goals. Against the Bengals, that will not cut it as they have proven time and time again that they are able to overcome large deficits.
Finishing any long drives with touchdowns will give L.A. their best shot at securing a championship.
