The Los Angeles Rams are heading to London for a matchup with the 0-7 Cincinnati Bengals. It’s their last game before the bye, and they’d love to head into the break at 5-3.
The Rams should be able to take advantage of the Bengals’ porous defense, which has been arguably the worst unit in the NFL. Here are four key matchups Los Angeles must win on Sunday afternoon in London.
Jalen Ramsey vs. Tyler Boyd
The Bengals’ biggest threat on offense is Boyd. He’s caught 45 passes for 471 yards and a touchdown, and while not a deep threat, he is an effective receiver. Andy Dalton has targeted Boyd 33 more times than any other player this season, so there’s no question about who his favorite receiver is.
Ramsey will be more comfortable on defense after having another week to practice, and while the Rams may keep him on one side of the field, he should be asked to cover Boyd specifically, too. Ramsey is better outside than he is in the slot, which is where Body plays a lot, but it would be wise for the Rams to take away Dalton’s favorite target and force him to go elsewhere.
David Edwards vs. Geno Atkins
After having to block Grady Jarrett last week, it won’t get any easier in Week 8 for the rookie Edwards. Atkins will line up across from him plenty, making this yet another tough matchup on the interior. Once again, Brian Allen and Andrew Whitworth should give Edwards some help and double-team Atkins, but there will be times where the rookie has to do it on his own, too.
Atkins is one of the best interior pass rushers in the league and can generate pressure better than just about anyone on the Bengals’ defensive front. Jared Goff hates pressure up the middle, as most quarterbacks do, so it will be paramount for Edwards to do a good job keeping Atkins at bay.
Dante Fowler Jr. vs. Bobby Hart
Fowler is coming off the best game of his career. He racked up three sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits against the Falcons, and also forced a fumble in the process, too. Can he keep that up against the Bengals? He has a favorable matchup with Hart, who has allowed three sacks this season.
Fowler’s dominance against Atlanta was helped by the defensive backs’ coverage, which forced Matt Ryan to hold onto the ball and survey the field longer. Fowler’s quick first step also put pressure on Ryan, causing him to make poor decisions. Pressuring Andy Dalton against one of the worst offensive lines in football shouldn’t be much trouble.
Gerald Everett vs. Jessie Bates
Everett has become a primary weapon on offense, even surpassing Brandin Cooks in targets the last six weeks. Jared Goff has been looking his way often, which hasn’t been the case the last two seasons. He’s also a handful after the catch, leading all tight ends in forced missed tackles per reception (0.46) this season.
Bates has allowed eight receptions on 12 targets this season, while the Bengals’ other safety Shawn Williams, hasn’t been much better (15 catches on 19 targets). This is a matchup the Rams should take advantage of with Everett.
