Rams vs. Bengals Notebook: Inconsistent Offense Can't Help Defense
The Los Angeles Rams were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals 19-16 on Monday night.
The two of them have very different expectations heading into Week 3 and the rest of the season, but the 2021 Super Bowl rematch made this matchup more intriguing.
So, following the Rams' third game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Both Offenses Limited in First Half
The offenses simply didn't show up in the first half as both teams went to the locker room tied at six apiece (all field goals).
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford finished the half completing 8-of-15 pass attempts for 106 yards and an interception midway through the second quarter. Four of his seven incompletions went towards running back Kyren Williams, as none of them successfully landed in the checkdown range.
The Rams' offense had three explosive plays that landed them in goal-to-go scenarios, as receiver Tutu Atwell ran 22 yards on an end-around, tight end Tyler Higbee hauled one in over the middle for 15 yards, and receiver Puka Nacua sprinted towards the left side on a 37-yard deep crossing route.
However, it wouldn't be enough as the Rams failed to convert not only in the red zone but on third down as well (0-for-5) in the first half.
The Rams' defense was the unit to watch in the first half, as they allowed 150 total yards, but two 50-plus-yard field goals by Bengals kicker Evan McPherson was all Cincinnati had to show. McPherson also missed a 56-yard field goal early in the game.
Offensive penalties against the Bengals limited their numbers as they collected five of them, which resulted in 30 yards lost. However, the Rams front seven forced a few pressures, as defensive tackle Aaron Donald logged a sack, and fellow linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young shared one as well.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was oddly quick to release the ball, as he threw it very shortly after the snap, which resulted in numerous short gains. Receiver Ja'Marr Chase was the main contributor on these small plays (finished half with six receptions for 56 yards, but it obviously didn't amount to much.
The Bengals' lone explosive play of the first half came late in the second quarter as Burrow connected with tight end Tanner Hudson for 26 yards. Cincinnati's offense was questionably stagnant in each of their first two games, as that completion was the first of over 15 yards this season.
2. Rams Defense Couldn't Stop Bengals' Third Quarter Explosive Plays
As previously stated, explosive plays were not a common theme in the first half for either team, but the third quarter was a much different story.
The Rams came out of the locker room hot as Higbee hauled in a 22-yarder over the middle, while Williams and Stafford finally connected on a checkdown, but the running back ran for 19 more. However, Stafford would be sacked for the third time later in the drive, which resulted in another field goal by Maher to make it 9-6.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford Sacked by Bengals
USA Today Sports
The Bengals next drive looked as though they were back to being the feared team they were expected to be coming into the season, as they got it done through the air and ground. Chase and fellow receiver Higgins contributed three receptions for a combined 42 yards while running back Joe Mixon recorded a 13-yarder and then ended the drive with a touchdown from 14 yards out. The possession went 10 plays for 75 yards in about five minutes.
In an attempt to quickly replicate Cincinnati's drive, Stafford connected with receiver Van Jefferson for 46 yards on the very first play. However, like on the Rams first drive of the second half, the big play was followed by a big loss, as Stafford threw an interception to linebacker Logan Wilson for the second time after a tip at the line of scrimmage by cornerback Mike Hilton.
Burrow and the offense somewhat capitalized immediately as the quarterback fake tossed to the left side, but proceeded to scramble right and launch the ball towards Chase for a 43-yard gain. Nevertheless, the Rams would hold them to a 48-yard field goal a couple of plays later to make the score 16-9.
3. Too Little, Too Late For Rams Offense
The Rams' defense did a solid job in the final 15 minutes, as they allowed just one field goal from 54 yards out about midway through the quarter. A couple of drives before McPherson split the uprights for the fourth time, cornerback Akhello Witherspoon dove for a one-handed interception, which was the Rams' first takeaway of the season.
Rams left tackle Joe Noteboom suffered an apparent upper-body injury late in the third quarter but would return later in the game. While he was out, the Bengals recorded back-to-back sacks after Witherspoon's interception and added another later in the fourth quarter.
The Rams offense continued to record three-and-outs up until their final desperation drive, as Nacua motioned left for a wide-open one-yard touchdown with one minute remaining to make the score 19-16. The score was set up by a 37-yard catch by Nacua, who finished the game with five receptions for 72 yards.
A failed onside kick attempt ended the game.
Stafford's performance on Monday night was subpar, as he completed 54 percent of his throws for a touchdown and two interceptions. The offense converted on just 1-of-11 third down attempts (Atwell's touchdown).
