The Cincinnati Bengals secured their first victory of the season by stifling the Los Angeles Rams’ offense in a 19-16 win on Monday night. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the game:
In a rematch of Super Bowl LVI, the Bengals’ defense dominated Rams quarterback Matt Stafford. They sacked him six times, intercepted two of his passes, and held him to just 269 yards after he had accumulated 641 yards in the first two weeks of the season.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who was questionable leading up to the game due to a calf injury, finished with 259 passing yards on 26-of-49 attempts. He didn’t throw any touchdowns but did have one interception.
Running back Joe Mixon scored Cincinnati’s lone touchdown on a 14-yard rush in the third quarter. Kicker Evan McPherson accounted for the rest of the team’s points, converting four field goals from distances of at least 48 yards.
The Bengals’ slow starts continue to be a concern. They have yet to score a touchdown in the first half this season. Burrow has struggled to connect on deep passes, going just 2 of 20 on such attempts. The offense has been hampered by Burrow’s calf injury, making it difficult for them to find a rhythm. The connection between Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been a bright spot, but the team needs to address their offensive struggles if they want to meet their season expectations.
Despite playing with an injured calf, Burrow was well-protected by the Cincinnati offensive line. While Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald had some success against double teams, the line held up for the most part and allowed minimal damage to Burrow. He was sacked only twice out of his 49 pass attempts, showcasing the success of the Bengals’ front five.
The Rams’ defense performed admirably, holding the Bengals to 19 points until deep into the fourth quarter. They limited Cincinnati to just one touchdown and forced an interception. However, the Rams’ offense struggled throughout the game. Despite a commitment to a re-tooled run game, head coach Sean McVay leaned heavily on pass calls, even in the red zone. Quarterback Stafford threw two interceptions and faced constant pressure, especially after left tackle Alaric Jackson left the game with a thigh injury. The Rams’ offense failed to convert a single third down until late in the game when they finally scored a touchdown.
While the Bengals’ offense often steals the spotlight, their defense has quietly been a difference-maker in critical moments. They made two goal-line stops, recorded six sacks, and intercepted Stafford twice. The defense consistently pressured Stafford, disrupting the Rams’ passing game. Even when the Rams had an opportunity with an interception by Ahkello Witherspoon, the Bengals’ defense responded with back-to-back sacks and forced a punt from their own end zone. The defense has the potential to carry the Bengals through tough stretches as the offense continues to find its footing.
The highlight of the game came from Joe Mixon’s 14-yard touchdown run. The Bengals’ running back showcased his skills as he found his way to the end zone, providing a pivotal score for his team.
Key stats from the game include the Bengals only reaching the red zone once but still managing to secure the win. On the other hand, the Rams struggled to convert third downs until the final minute of the game when they finally scored their lone touchdown.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense played a significant role in their victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Despite offensive struggles and slow starts, the Bengals’ defense stepped up when it mattered most, making crucial stops and pressuring Stafford throughout the game. The win gives the Bengals hope for the rest of the season as they continue to work on improving their offensive performance.