Super Bowl LVI Preview: Bengals LB/ Rams RB

When the Los Angeles Rams take the field on offense, the known become readily apparent. In contrast, how the Rams’ run game will fare remains a bit of a mystery. Granted, everyone expects an air show at SoFi. However, as the adage goes, the run sets up the pass. As a result, the Rams will at least, attempt to fashion some semblance of a rushing attack. Meanwhile, the Bengals hope to counter using their linebackers, in hopes of making Los Angeles strictly one-dimension.

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The Battle

For the purpose of this game within a game, we’ll focus on two Rams and two Bengals. For Los Angeles, Sony Michel and Cam Akers/ Darrell Henderson’s status for the Super Bowl remains uncertain. On the other hand, Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt will represent the Bengals. These four players will primarily face each other during the course of this game. Akers provides the burst, the second gear to bound away from defenders. Contrarily, Michel will grind it out between the tackles, absorb contact, and never shying away from tacklers. At the same time, Logan Wilson brings a downhill approach with surprising coverage capabilities to the field. His teammate, Germaine Pratt, a converted safety, displays good range, regardless of down, distance, or point in the game.

Akers/Wilson

Granted, Logan Wilson did accumulate 100 tackles during the 2021 season. A technical tackler, Wilson takes smart angles, without sacrificing too much ground. Conversely, Cam Akers attacks at the heart of what could really be problematic for Logan Wilson. Akers, with a bit of shiftiness, changes attack levels for linebackers. That is to say, that quick cut or dip of the shoulder could find Wilson grabbing for air in space. No other Bengal missed more tackles than Wilson. His thirteen lends credence to the belief that Akers could factor hugely in this game. However, in Wilson’s favor, the ability to cause turnovers. Picking off four passes stands out. More importantly, Akers’ recent playoff history of fumbling will alter how the Bengals will tackle him. Multiple, crucial fumbles saw opponents capitalize on the Rams’ mistakes. Germaine Pratt would be the better linebacker to approach.

Pratt/Michel

Germaine Pratt serves as a complement to Wilson: an agile linebacker that excels in space. Nevertheless, Sony Michel offers up a brutal, physical running style that gives Los Angeles the thunder portion of thunder and lightning. With legs churning, and behind his pads, Michel breaks tackles with power and moves the pile. Where this matchup captures any intrigue is how Pratt will make the stop. Arm tackles don’t work. The gator roll doesn’t really work past the line of scrimmage. Basically, the strike zone lowers for power backs.

Swings/Screens

If the Rams utilize the swing/screen game, this plays directly into the Bengals’ strength. During the regular season, the team only allowed three receiving touchdowns from running backs. Moreover, the Rams cannot attempt to get east-west with these linebackers. Attacking them head up would be the best option in the passing game.

Analysis

Lost within the matchup of the high-powered air attacks, the Rams need to run the ball to stem the Bengals pass rush, which will scream off the edge. Plus, it takes the heat off the passing game. The Rams will find their way into the red zone. Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt will greet them there. The question remains, who emerges the victor?