No, you aren't dreaming. The Bengals are actually playing a for a Super Bowl.
Rams vs Bengals out in LA. Many storylines in this game including Zac Taylor facing his formers boss, Whitworth playing against his former team or Jalen Ramsey vs Ja'Maar Chase.
Here are some key factors (in my opinion):
Offense
- Aaron Donald vs the interior OL
It's well documented that the Bengals OL is the weak link of this team. The RG position has been a revolving door all season. And, unfortunately for the Bengals, Aaron Donald is possibly the best player in the NFL - regardless of position. If Joe Burrow is under duress through the middle & can't step up into the pocket, that'll pose serious issues. Because, lets be real, the RT position isn't much better. Von Miller or Leonard Floyd will almost certainly be flying off the edge. If the Bengals have to leave Mixon & a TE in the backfield to compensate the downfield passing game will suffer. Much easier to guard a three man route tree.
- Will Zac Taylor be more willing to throw on 1st down?
Don't get me wrong, Mixon needs some touches but the predictability on 1st down against the Chiefs was exhausting. Outside of the last few plays of the game - the run game was largely ineffective. Put Burrow in empty & let him work. I don't know the statistics but it felt like the Bengals were in 2nd & 9 or 10 the entire game.
- Will Jalen Ramsey follow Chase?
Again, I'm not sure if Ramsey typically shades but I'm assuming he does. If so, this is a must-see matchup. Ramsey is a certified loud mouth but his play backs it up. Ramsey is an All-Pro corner but the same is proven for Chase as a receiver. The Rams likely leave Ramsey on an island & I think Chase can get him a few times.
- Can the Bengals average 4 YPC?
I really don't want the Bengals to force it but getting Burrow out of 2nd or 3rd & longs improves their odds significantly. Mixon having something like 17 carries (not all on 1st down) for 71 yards is good enough to keep the Rams honest & not pin their ears back.
Defense
- Can Mike Hilton match-up on Cooper Kupp?
Hilton has been an amazing off season additional for the Bengals. He is the Nickel corner in their base defense & will have Kupp every time he's in the slot. Can he slow him down enough? There's no stopping Kupp but keeping him from having an absolute field day will be key to slowing down the Rams.
- Will the defensive line consistently pressure Stafford?
As they did against the Chiefs, I'm not expecting the Bengals to blitz much. Stafford isn't nearly as mobile as Mahomes but the Rams lead the league in pass blocking win rate. Hendrickson, Hubbard & Hill inside need to play more like the 2nd half version of themselves to make Stafford uncomfortable.
- Capitalize on turnover opportunities
Stafford is known to try & force the issue from time to time. He got away w/ what should have been an easy INT for the 49ers this past Sunday. There was a stretch through the year where Stafford had multiple turnovers in a series of consecutive games. The Bengals defense has been opportunistic this entire postseason & need that to continue come Super Bowl Sunday.
- Halftime adjustments
This could go for both sides but sweet Lou has shown he knows how to adjust (which is a welcome sight after the Marvin Lewis era). I'm not sure what adjustments they'll need but if they find themselves in a hole again - does he have the answers?
This isn't some deep analysis but thoughts that came to mind after watching the Bengals all season.
What do you guys think? I'm still in shock they made the Super Bowl to begin with. Enjoy the ride.
Who Dey!
