Step One: Get after Joe Burrow
The Los Angeles Rams pass rush versus the Bengals offensive line will be covered and covered and covered in Super Bowl pregame coverage. Rightfully so. The Rams once again go ‘all-in’ when they traded multiple Draft picks for Von Miller. Miller’s pass-rushing prowess off the edge combined with Aaron Donald’s penetration up the middle could make it a long day for Joe Burrow.
Step Two: Take away Ja’Marr Chase
The Kansas City Chiefs provided the Rams with a blueprint on how to take away Ja’Marr Chase as the Chiefs devoted their coverage to stopping the rookie sensation. Chase has been one of the most potent big-play threats in the league this season. If you are the Rams, you want to force the Bengals into nickel and diming down the field instead of giving up the big, explosive plays.
Step Three: Stop the run
The Bengals have been consistent virtually all season long. They have run a balanced offensive attack with Joe Mixon toting the rock 20+ times a game. This type of balance has taken some of the pressure off Joe Burrow. If the Rams can limit Joe Mixon, the Bengals could abandon the run, making their offense predictable and allowing the Rams pass rush to pin their ears back and attack the quarterback.
Step Four: Isolate the Bengals’ cornerbacks
The strength of the Bengals secondary is clearly at the safety position with Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. The Bengals’ cornerback leave much to be desired and were in a position to target this season. If Sean McVay can scheme Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. into one-on-one situations with the Bengals cornerbacks, it is a clear advantage for the Rams offense.
Step Five: Keep Matthew Stafford upright
We have seen in Super Bowls past a pass-rush can ruin even the best laid offensive game plans. The Bengals front seven have been surprisingly disruptive, and they seem to gain traction as the game goes along. The Rams need to hold up for four quarters to give Matthew Stafford the time to drive the ball down the field.
Step Six: Establish the run
Sony Michel has faded away throughout these playoffs, so I’m not expecting much from him. We have seen Cam Akers has the juice back and can break an explosive play or two. The Rams running game will set up their play-action passing game.
Step Seven: Take care of the ball
Turnovers are the ultimate equalizer in the NFL. The Rams had the game against the Buccaneers well in hand until they started to turn the ball over left and right. The Rams still squeaked out a victory. Let that be a lesson to them–if they keep playing with fire, they are bound to get burned.
Step Eight: Don’t get cute
The Rams feel like the better team. The Rams feel like the more complete team. If the Rams play solid football in every aspect, they will be victorious.
I like beer. I like football. Sometimes, both at the same time.
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