The Cincinnati Bengals don’t match up all that well against the Los Angeles Rams despite what many might want to throw out there thanks to the connections between Sean McVay and Zac Taylor.
Injuries and Taylor struggling through some rookie coaching moments play a part. Sunday in London, these matchups will decide the game outright.
Bengals DBs vs. Cooper Kupp
Who draws Kupp? Odds are McVay has plenty of fun stuff dialed up for him, the “fun” being for the Rams. He’s sitting on 51 catches on 77 targets already with 572 yards and four touchdowns. William Jackson and B.W. Webb are the lone starters of note for the Bengals with Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard down.
Geno Atkins vs. the world
Atkins must’ve heard some of the whispers of his demise because he showed up in a big way last week, almost singlehandedly breathing some life into a sluggish defense thanks to his disruption up front. The Rams are exploitable here, as old friend Andrew Whithworth and Co. have struggled this year, allowing 28 hurries and 23 hits of Jared Goff with 12 sacks.
Jalen Ramsey vs. Tyler Boyd
This would normally be one of the week’s top battles. But while Ramsey has looked like his usual electric self, defenses have clamped down on Boyd over the past few weeks. He had just five catches on 14 targets. He’s still moved the chains 22 times on 45 catches, but if the Rams send Ramsey and help at him, his ability to overcome it could swing the outcome.
Aaron Donald vs. Bengals offensive line
Who steps up and stops Donald? Donald, the guy with four sacks, 15 hurries and 23 pressures. Anybody? Trey Hopkins has been a bright spot in the center but that isn’t saying much. Billy Price has looked iffy to the left of him. John Miller is likely out at right guard, so can the physicality coaches like from Alex Redmond stand a chance?
