Why the Rams win

[*SHRacerX*]

(02-09-2022, 02:49 PM)CoachGeorge Wrote: We all know about the struggles of the OL and with the Rams excellent DL that’s likely to continue.  But not many people realize that LA’s secondary is about as good as it gets.  We haven’t played (much less defeated) a secondary so good.

Further, we are averaging a low 19 points per game against Vic Fangio-style defenses.  Raheem Morris runs the former Rams DC Brandon Staley’s (a Vic Fangio disciple) defense which he adopted in this, his first year as Rams DC). Morris’ preferred defense is a zone heavy, cover 2, 4-3 Under look (Pete Carrol, Dan Quinn).

I also don’t like all the energy the Bengals have used up as we prepare for Sunday’s game.  The Bengals are getting the rock star treatment while the Rams have quietly have been low-key.

I hope I’m wrong, but I rarely mess up my predictions.

I laughed at "but I rarely mess up my predictions".  Did you predict the Bengals would win out and make the Super Bowl?  Haha.

One interesting stat I heard from the DVOA folks on the latest Bengals Booth Podcast was that the Rams are actually 19th in the league in terms of shutting down the opposing team's #1 WR.  I know their overall defensive rankings for the season are pretty strong, but that doesn't factor in competition, injuries to other teams, etc.  

Your point about the Bengals are averaging a low 19 points per game against this kind of defense is based on, what, two games?  Well, interestingly enough, that Charger loss was the last time Burrow had multiple INTs in a game.  He had none in the Denver game and a rating over 100.  This illustrates, again, that Joe is always better the second time he sees something.  

No, they didn't set the world on fire against Denver.  They didn't take any chances.  They had enough to win with running the ball and their defense was stuffing Denver.  Interestingly, that Denver game was where the defense really started to come together for the season.  They have given up 20 points per game since then, despite facing the Chiefs twice.  Take the Chiefs games out of that seven game span and the defense has given up just 17 points per game...and that include two playoff games.

There is no doubt that the Rams defense will pose a huge challenge.  Very similar to the Titans defense as far as unique talents and strengths vs. weaknesses.  But I wouldn't bet against Joe Burrow in a big game.