When the Cincinnati Bengals face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 56, there’s going to be a lot of focus on the two teams’ explosive offenses, and rightfully so. Both teams have playmakers at skill positions that can turn the tide of the game with one play. However, I believe that the deciding factor in this game will be defense.
At the time of writing, BetMGM’s Super Bowl odds have the Rams as 4.5-point favorites to win the game.
Can the Rams’ defense limit the scoring potential of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals’ offense?
Here is a profile of their performance this season and how they’ll match up against the Bengals.
Super Bowl 56 Game Information
Before we get to the Rams’ defense, let’s review what you should know about this year’s Super Bowl.
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 13th
- Time: 6:30 P.M. EST
- Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
- Participants: Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams
Elite Rushing Defense
The Rams have been very good at shutting down the opposing team’s rushing attack this season. They ranked sixth in the league in the regular season, allowing just 103.2 rushing yards per game.
On the opposite side, the Bengals do not put up excellent rushing numbers. They ranked 23rd in rushing yards per game this season, with just 102.5.
If these trends hold up in the Super Bowl, expect the Rams to shut down the Bengals’ rushing attack and force them to rely on passing the ball.
Ball Hawk Defense
One strength of the Los Angeles defense has been getting interceptions. They had the third-most in the NFL during the regular season with 19.
Their secondary is loaded with talent like CB Jalen Ramsey and S Taylor Rapp, who had four interceptions each in the regular season.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow has only thrown two interceptions in the past seven games. On the other hand, the Rams have had at least one interception in their past eight games. I believe that this will be a close game decided by a costly late turnover, so bettors have to decide whether they believe the Bengals can protect the ball against Los Angeles.
The Rams’ Pass Rush
To me, the biggest X-factor on this defense is DT Aaron Donald. He has 12.5 sacks this season, four forced fumbles, and 84 total tackles.
The Bengals have had trouble protecting Burrow, as there have only been six games this season where he took three sacks or less. In the divisional round, Burrow was sacked nine times.
If the Bengals can’t protect Burrow, it increases the Rams’ chances of creating a turnover.
Another player to watch is OLB Von Miller. This season, he has 9.5 sacks and 50 tackles. He’s also had a couple of significant moments in the playoffs. He had a big forced fumble and fumble recovery that led to a close Rams win in the divisional round.
Miller also has a QB hit in each playoff game this season, along with four tackles for a loss in the playoffs. I have serious doubts about the Bengals’ ability to protect Joe Burrow in this game.
Do You Trust the Rams’ Defense
In my opinion, the Rams’ defense has the ability to take this game over. As a bettor, do you trust them enough to back them in the Super Bowl?
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