NFL
By: Jalen Willingham
The Cincinnati Bengals will face the Los Angeles Rams at home for Monday Night Football. This is the first time the two teams have met since facing each other in Super Bowl 56. This is also a must-win game for the Bengals.
When: Monday September 25, 2023
Where: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
Network: ESPN
Offense
The Bengals offense finally got going too little too late in the second half versus the Ravens. Only putting up 17 points is still not enough. A costly interception thrown by Joe Burrow is also unacceptable as well. The offensive line looked better at least. Aaron Donald of the Rams won’t care about that though. The last time the Bengals faced the Rams, Burrow was sacked seven times. Donald will wreak havoc if the Bengals aren’t careful.
Burrows calf injury isn’t something to ignore. Cincinnati has brought in multiple quarterbacks for insurance. To succeed offensively, Burrow needs to be protected at all costs, and Joe Mixon and the running game have to be on point. I wouldn’t mind letting Mixon have 20+ touches this game. If Burrow does get hurt and has to leave in the middle of the game, expect to see Jake Browning or recent free-agent pickup AJ McCarron who has spent time with the Bengals in the past.
The overall play calling and play by Burrow has to improve. An offense that features Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd should have no problems putting up around 30 points a game. Will that be the reality this week? I’m not so sure. The Bengals offense needs to get out to a hot start from the very first snap. The sense of urgency has to be there. When in redzone, they must take advantage of every trip they get. Costly mistakes, while being in the down situation that they are already in, must be kept to a minimum.
Defense
The Bengals defense gave up big plays and couldn’t get stops when needed last week. Week 3 will be no easier for the Bengals defense.
After missing most of the 2022 season , Matthew Stafford has opened the year with back-to-back 300+ yard games at quarterback. In the absence of Cooper Kupp, rookie Puka Nacua has emerged as his top target and he’s been looking great. He should once again be the focal point of the Rams offense. No rookie has ever had more receptions in their first two games. Tutu Atwell is also another solid target for Stafford to throw to.
The Bengals pass rush was next to nonexistent last week and Stafford has looked good so far when not pressured. Cincinnati needs to get back on track when it comes to the pass rush on Monday night. Stafford faced pressure in 39.4% of his dropbacks against the 49ers in week two. There will also be opportunities to create turnover to help the offense. Matthew Stafford already has two interceptions to start this year. Someone on the defense has to step up and make a game-changing play.
Kyren Williams will be the main running back after Cam Akers was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The Bengals need to improve at stopping the run. Cincinnati let Gus Edwards go for over 6 yards a carry last week. I don’t think that will be the case for Williams though.
Prediction:
Rams win 23-20
