The Super Bowl is finally upon us, and this year’s contest is one of the most interesting and intriguing matchups in recent memory. This year we have two teams that have built themselves completely different than each other.
The Los Angeles Rams have put all of their chips in the middle of the table, as they haven’t even made a first-round draft choice since 2016. They have been all in on acquiring front-end talent, even if it meant sacrificing the future. The Rams gave up a combined four first-round picks in order to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford and cornerback Jalen Ramey. Both have been instrumental to the Rams’ Super Bowl campaign, but it is indeed a hefty price to pay. They even were aggressive before the NFL trade deadline, as they dealt a second and third-round pick for the 32 year old pass-rusher, Von Miller. They even won the Odell Beckham Jr. sweepstakes, convincing him to select the Rams over a half-a-dozen contenders. The Rams are filled with a slew of veterans, and are loaded with experience on both sides of the ball. The Rams are in the position they’re in now due to their aggressive win-now mindset.
However, the Cincinnati Bengals built their roster much differently than the Rams. The Bengals were built through the draft, as offensively they are led by two-first round picks in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, and two second-round picks in Joe Mixon and Tee Higgins. The Bengals only have seven players on their roster that are 30 or older. This team is young and inexperienced in all levels. Sure, they’ve spent money in free agency, but, their calling-card has been through the draft.
Here are some key matchups to look for:
How will the Bengals defense defend Cooper Kupp?
Image: Getty Images - Ronald Martinez
Cooper Kupp put together arguably the best season a wide receiver has ever had. Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), yards per game (114.5), and touchdown catches (16). Kupp also led the league in first-down receptions (89), yards after catch (846), and DYAR (615). No team in the NFL has had an answer for Kupp, as he has had at least five receptions in every game this season.
So, how can the Bengals look to defend the most potent skill-position player in the NFL?
It’ll certainly be a collaborative effort, as Kupp could get an array of coverage looks. Mike Hilton, Eli Apple, and Jessie Bates all could get an opportunity to defend Kupp. However, I’d imagine that Mike Hilton would get the majority of the looks against Kupp. Hilton has done a decent job of limiting slot receivers this season, as he helped limit Chargers receiver Keenan Allen to five receptions for 34 yards in their regular season matchup. He was also instrumental in limiting Tyreek Hill to under 100 receiving yards, along with keeping Hunter Renfrow to under 60 yards in their matchup in the wildcard round.
Kupp is going to going to be a huge challenge, and limiting him will be a priority for the Bengals
Will the Bengals offensive line be able to protect Joe Burrow?
Image: AP - Mark Zaleski
Joe Burrow's young NFL career has been filled with sacks, hits, and hurries. Through his first 26 regular season starts, Burrow has been sacked 83 times. This year alone, Burrow was sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL (51). Burrow has been sacked 12 times this postseason, nine of which came against the Titans in the divisional round.
However, this Bengals offensive line may have their biggest test yet, against Aaron Donald and this daunting Rams front-seven.
With Aaron Donald clogging up the middle, and Von Miller coming off the edge, the Bengals will need to be creative on their offensive game plan. There is a real chance that the Rams will take away the run in this game. If that’s the case, the pressure on the Bengals offensive line will be turned up significantly.
The Bengals will have to adjust to lessen the pass-rush by running some different screens and quick passes. Cincinnati has guys that can be explosive after the catch, and if they stand a chance in this game, they’ll need to execute in the quick passing-game.
If Joe Burrow gets hit early and often, it could be a long day for the Bengals.
How will the Rams look to neutralize Ja’Marr Chase?
Image: AP - Zach Bolinger
Ja’Marr Chase is the most dynamic rookie receiver that the league has seen in quite some time. His chemistry with Joe Burrow was evident from day-one, and it allowed him to immediately contribute at a high level. Chase finished the regular season with 81 catches for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdown receptions.
But, he’s likely going to have Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey shadowing him for most, if not the entire game. It certainly is a big challenge for the young rookie, but, if he is indeed taken out of this game, the rest of the Bengals skill-position players will need to step up in a big way. Jalen Ramsey has come up big in a number of different occasions, and I think he’ll absolutely get the nod and deal with Chase one-on-one.
If I’m Zac Taylor, I look to be creative with the use of Ja’Marr Chase. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him get some end-arounds, or even a play or two in which he’s lined up in the backfield. He’s the Bengals best playmaker, they’ll need him to be a factor in some way.
Who has a chance to surprise some people?
Image: Getty Images - Andy Lyons
In the Super Bowl, nothing can be ruled out. We have seen countless times in which a player bursts onto the scene with a big play.
If Ja’Marr Chase does in fact get taken out of this game, expect Tee Higgins to really have an opportunity to make some plays. Darious Williams will likely draw the matchup, and Higgins could exploit that. Higgins is 6-4, and certainly has the size advantage over the rest of the Rams secondary.
Higgins could be someone that makes a big play for this Bengals offense. Joe Burrow will need some help if the Bengals are going to pull off the upset, and Higgins could be that guy.
Who has the coaching advantage?
Image: USA Today Sports - Kirby Lee
To be completely transparent, I did not think that highly of Zac Taylor coming into the 2021season. He had a 6-25 record through two-seasons. I didn’t think it would have been out of the question, if he would have saw himself on the chopping block if the Bengals faltered again in 2021. But, that certainly wasn’t the case, as the Bengals won a division title, and won three playoff games to find themselves in the Super Bowl.
On the other side of things, Sean McVay has been one of the most consistent coaches in the NFL, since he burst onto the scene. McVay has had a winning record in five consecutive seasons, and has a 6-3 record in the playoffs, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2018. McVay is widely considered to be a top-five head coach in the game, and has just done a remarkable job for the Rams organization.
The matchup between McVay and Taylor can be categorized as familiar foes. Zac Taylor was on Sean McVay’s coaching staff in 2017 and 2018. So, both of these coaches know each other, so it could be a battle of who can throw in the most wrinkles.
However, the advantage should go in favor of the Rams. The Rams coaching staff has experience in the Super Bowl, and that is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Super Bowl isn’t just another game, and having a head coach that has been there before, is helpful. Zac Taylor will be entering uncharted territories.
Prediction:
Image: USA Today Sports - Gary A. Vasquez
I have the Rams winning this game by a score of 27-16. I think the key to this game for the Rams will be getting their defense to be as physical and as dominant as possible. I think we’ll see Joe Burrow uncomfortable in the pocket, and it could lead to some turnovers. I think the Rams front-seven will be disruptive and really dictate the game.
I think offensively, the Rams will be able to put up some points, and I think they’ll come at the Bengals with a balanced attack, that is highlighted with a lot of short/intermediate routes for Cooper Kupp. Matthew Stafford will do enough to put up points in this one.
Super Bowl MVP:
Image: Getty Images - Christian Petersen
I like Cooper Kupp to win the Super Bowl MVP award. I think that the Bengals will have a difficult time dealing with him, and I think he’ll really be a factor when it comes to getting yards after the catch. I could see Kupp being a huge factor on some key third-downs. His stat line could be something like 12 receptions for 120 yards and 1 touchdown.
Cooper Kupp’s memorable 2021 season will finish in the most memorable way possible.