4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Bengals on Monday night
Week 3 is a big one for a lot of teams, especially those that have started the year 0-2. That’s the case for the Cincinnati Bengals, who the Los Angeles Rams will face in prime time on Monday night.
The Rams are looking to push above .500 with a win over a potentially Joe Burrow-less Bengals team, and though they’re still missing Cooper Kupp, the offense hasn’t been an issue through two weeks.
Looking at each team’s roster, here are four big matchups to watch on Monday night when the Rams and Bengals square off in a rematch of their thrilling Super Bowl LVI meeting.
Derion Kendrick vs. Ja’Marr Chase
The Bengals move their receivers around quite a bit, with Chase and Tee Higgins playing each side of the formation. The Rams have mostly kept their corners on one side or the other (Kendrick on the right and Ahkello Witherspoon at left CB), so Kendrick will have to cover both Chase and Higgins. But it’s the matchup with Chase that will be especially important for the Rams.
Witherspoon should be able to handle the bigger Higgins, but Chase’s speed and quickness will be a real test for Kendrick on the outside. Chase has gotten off to a slow start this year and the Rams will need that to continue.
Puka Nacua vs. Mike Hilton
Hilton has been the Bengals’ primary slot defender this year, which means he’ll see a lot of Nacua in coverage. Nacua has gotten open with the greatest of ease this season and Los Angeles hopes that won’t change this week against Hilton and the Bengals.
Seeing how often Matthew Stafford has gone to Nacua (35 times in two weeks, to be exact), the Bengals might adjust and throw some double-teams at the rookie receiver. They could drop a safety down or bracket Nacua with a linebacker, or if they’re feeling bold, they could just let Hilton challenge the rookie one-on-one.
Alaric Jackson vs. Trey Hendrickson
The Bengals haven’t had much success rushing the passer this season, generating only 29 total pressures in two games. Hendrickson leads the team with five pressures himself, and he’s primarily lined up on the right side of the defense. Jackson held his own against Nick Bosa last week and while he shouldn’t take Hendrickson lightly, this is a little bit of an easier matchup.
The Rams have been great in pass protection thus far, which is a big reason Stafford has gotten off to such a positive start. Keeping Hendrickson and the Bengals’ other rushers off the quarterback will be essential for the Rams in this one.
Byron Young vs. Orlando Brown Jr.
Aside from Aaron Donald, Young has been the Rams’ most productive and effective pass rusher this season. His speed on the edge is a challenge for any lineman to block, and after going up against Trent Williams last week, he’ll get Brown on Monday night. Brown has only allowed four total pressures and zero sacks this season, earning a pass-blocking grade of 72.1.
Whether it’s Joe Burrow or Jake Browning on the pocket, the Rams need to generate pressure to help out the secondary in coverage against Chase and Higgins.
