A Completely Last Minute Super Bowl Preview
Okay, I’m a little late to the party with this. But, I decided to write something real quick about the Super Bowl. Here are a few points to watch for.
Bengals Offense vs Rams Defense
Joe Burrow needs to have the game of his life. But for that to happen, the offensive line needs to hold up. The right side of the line and guard is weakness for the Bengals. And go figure, they’ll be staring down Aaron Donald. Burrow got sacked nine times against the Titans but they still got the win. That won’t fly against the Rams. Burrow will need to get the ball out quick. The best way they can do that is screens, runs pass options, quick slants, fades, and some quick play action passes. Joe Mixon needs to stay engaged and keep playing hard even if the running lanes aren’t there right away.
It’s unclear if Jalen Ramsey in the star position will cover Ja’marr Chase the entire game. In the star spot, he tends to move around a lot and that also means Tyler Boyd could be a potential assignment. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd present challenges of their own. Fellow corner Darious Williams would likely draw Higgins if Ramsey is on Chase or Boyd. Williams needs to especially be aware of Higgins in redone situations since he’s a big body with the hops. We always hype up the Cowboys trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb and rightfully so. The Bengals have the best wide receiver trio in the AFC. Finally, tight end CJ Uzomah may not be a game breaker, but he needs to be one in this game. He will most likely be covered by Nick Scott. Keep your eye on Eric Weddle as well, who was brought out of retirement for the playoffs. Taylor Rapp could be on a pitch count as he comes back from concussion protocol, and that could mean more opportunities for Weddle.
Rams Offense vs Bengals Defense
Matthew Stafford cannot turn the ball over or the Rams will get blown out. Cooper Kupp is the most reliable playmaker in football right now and slot corner Mike Hilton will bare the burden of covering him. Don’t be surprised if Hilton gets safety help from strong safety Vonn Bell. Whoever is covering Odell Beckham Jr is also in for a tough night. Personally, I don’t think his former Giants teammate Eli Apple is good enough for the job and I think he will cover Van Jefferson. That leaves Chidobe Awuzie against OBJ with possible safety help from free safety Jessie Bates. If the Bengals go with a big nickel (three safeties), former Falcon Ricardo Allen is probably the best option for that. Allen is the lone Bengal with Super Bowl experience after going with the Falcons…we all know what happened. Rams tight end Tyler Higbee will not be available for the game. It’s all Kendall Blanton at tight end, and he could make a difference if Cincy doesn’t pay enough attention to him. The Bucs learned that the hard way.
In the run game, the Bengals will miss Larry Ogunjobi as a run stopper. He got hurt against the Raiders. Sony Michel and Cam Akers will get all of the carries for the Rams. Michel had an okay year, but Akers is someone the Rams trust and will likely turn him loose. The Rams offensive line is in for a tough matchup with Sam Hubbard, DJ Reader, BJ Hill, and Trey Hendrickson in front of them. Hendrickson had a monster year coming over from the Saints, he will make a play. Hubbard will be going against former Bengal Andrew Whitworth on the left side. Germaine Pratt is also a name to watch since he has emerged as the Bengals best linebacker. He sealed the deal against the Raiders with a pick, he’s capable of doing it again.
Who Wins?
A lot of people have said that they want the Bengals, but feel like the Rams will pull it out. I honestly believe the Bengals can and will win this game. Remember the last time the Rams (then in St. Louis) were heavily favored against a team led by a second year quarterback? That quarterback was Tom Brady. How’d that turn out? I have the Bengals winning 30-27 with Stafford throwing a late interception, and Burrow throwing a shot to Chase to set up the game winning field goal for Evan MacPherson. I think either Pratt or Hilton will make the interception, and Chase will win the Super Bowl MVP. However, I have Kupp as the MVP if the Rams win and either way he’ll have a great game.