Which team will stick with the run?

[AvengerRam]

Here are some interesting stats:

During the regular season, the Rams and Bengals ran the ball (excluding QB runs) with similar frequency:

Rams: 388 running plays (22.8/game)
Bengals: 396 running plays (23.3/game)

In the playoffs, however, the Rams use of the running game has increased, while the Bengals have run the ball less:

Rams: 82 running plays (27.3/game)
Bengals: 61 running plays (20.3/game)

If this trend continues, I think that bodes well for the Rams. The Bengals have been susceptible to the run in the playoffs, as they have allowed 5.6/carry on handoffs to RBs. The Chiefs inexplicably did not continue to pound the ball when they had their lead, but the Rams are unlikely to repeat this mistake.

If the Rams find some early success running the ball, and continue to run (not exclusively, but strategically) if they build a lead, that's a great formula for success. Conversely, if the Bengals abandon the run, that will only make things more difficult for their OL against the Rams' pass rush.

 

[RamWoodie]

Both teams need work their running games Sunday. It'll depend on the situation as to how much.

The horn is being blown for Mixon more than Akers in the media...so I can't wait to see Akers run Sunday!

 

[IE Rams]

Both teams need work their running games Sunday. It'll depend on the situation as to how much.

The horn is being blown for Mixon the Bengals more than Akers the Rams in the media...so I can't wait to see Akers run the Rams win on Sunday!

 

[Merlin]

Bengals are going to have a hard time running vs our defensive front. They have not played a front as potent as ours in the playoffs thus far. Only the 9ers were comparable. Tampa had turned it on a bit but even they were not in our class. Rams DL is playing at the highest level right now, all the way across at every position.

On the flipside because of who the Rams faced in the NFC playoffs I think the run game might be there for them. It's another advantage for the Rams offense and pass game to have that balance be there for them, so for the Bengals stopping our run game is really important. They'll have their hands full vs Stafford and our pass game weapons without the run game but with it I expect the Rams will put up scoring drive after scoring drive.

And btw as we all know the Bengals might nut up and play the game of their lives on both lines and beat us. That's the NFL. But in this matchup I think the Rams are the more likely dominator in the trenches. So in a game with two great passing offenses there's a lot of advantages weighing in our favor of which one is the run game on both sides of the ball.

 

[12intheBox]

Rams run d is better than ever right now. Hopefully Bengals will be playing from behind. Way behind.

 

[den-the-coach]

Rams run d is better than ever right now. Hopefully Bengals will be playing from behind. Way behind.

Agreed and the triumphant of Akers, Michel & Henderson.

 

[Merlin]

I think Henderson is reserve in the event of injury ahead of him on the chart. They'll probably give him a screen or wheel route or whatever here and there but I think focusing in with Akers/Michel is crucial. Get those two boys rolling and use Hendy for when you want that extra speed on the wheel.

 

[Liberator]

I really hope they stubbornly stick to it lol

 

[Flatlyner]

I think its clearly the Rams that will come out pounding the ball and keep to it. The Bengals did attempt a run on most of the 1st downs against KC, but didn't have much success with it until later in the game. Our run defense is superior to KC's, so I could see Bengals abandoning the run before half. Hope so at least, that should mean we are up.

 

[Loyal]

Bengals are going to have a hard time running vs our defensive front. They have not played a front as potent as ours in the playoffs thus far. Only the 9ers were comparable. Tampa had turned it on a bit but even they were not in our class. Rams DL is playing at the highest level right now, all the way across at every position.

On the flipside because of who the Rams faced in the NFC playoffs I think the run game might be there for them. It's another advantage for the Rams offense and pass game to have that balance be there for them, so for the Bengals stopping our run game is really important. They'll have their hands full vs Stafford and our pass game weapons without the run game but with it I expect the Rams will put up scoring drive after scoring drive.

And btw as we all know the Bengals might nut up and play the game of their lives on both lines and beat us. That's the NFL. But in this matchup I think the Rams are the more likely dominator in the trenches. So in a game with two great passing offenses there's a lot of advantages weighing in our favor of which one is the run game on both sides of the ball.

No Cinci nutting up, allowed! Have some more soy lattes, bois!

 

[Merlin]

No Cinci nutting up, allowed! Have some more soy lattes, bois!

Yep and the media is doing a great job of fattening them up for the kill.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

The Bengals will likely come out early with the short quick passing game with some runs sprinkled in. Their hope will be to draw the defense up then hit Chase on deeper routes.

It’s basically what the Bucs and Niners both tried.

If Stafford and the Rams don’t make mistakes this should be a two score final for the Rams. A few fumbles or Int’s and it’s up in the air. The best defense against Stafford has been dropping 7-8 into coverage, which the Bengals did with success against the Chiefs. So the Rams being able to run the ball and run screens and end a rounds etc,… will be very important. I’d bet we see another trick play or two like the flea flicker or WR pass.

 

[FaulkSF]

The Bengals will likely come out early with the short quick passing game with some runs sprinkled in. Their hope will be to draw the defense up then hit Chase on deeper routes.

It’s basically what the Bucs and Niners both tried.

If Stafford and the Rams don’t make mistakes this should be a two score final for the Rams. A few fumbles or Int’s and it’s up in the air. The best defense against Stafford has been dropping 7-8 into coverage, which the Bengals did with success against the Chiefs. So the Rams being able to run the ball and run screens and end a rounds etc,… will be very important. I’d bet we see another trick play or two like the flea flicker or WR pass.

I think we can do it with a couple of jet sweeps. Never mind the flea flicker or WR pass. I will predict a TD pass from Cam Akers.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I was thinking of some prop bets with Akers… but now, I am not sure. I believe McVay uses all 3 running backs.

All 3 got us here. All 3 capable of starting and each with strengths. Something like Akers 60%, Mikel 20%, and Henderson 20%. Maybe? Or 70-20-10. But I think McVay uses them all.

 

[Angry Ram]

I think its clearly the Rams that will come out pounding the ball and keep to it. The Bengals did attempt a run on most of the 1st downs against KC, but didn't have much success with it until later in the game. Our run defense is superior to KC's, so I could see Bengals abandoning the run before half. Hope so at least, that should mean we are up.

I don't think so at all. I feel like it's gonna be the same script against Tampa and SF. Chuck that ball to Cooper Kupp and friends. That is the Rams' strength and what's gotten them to this point.

Get that lead. Don't blow it damnit. Then allow that front 7 to get after Joe Burrow like they did Tommy and Yimmy. Run the ball in the 3rd and 4th with a fresh Cam/Sony.

 

[RamDino]

Chuck that ball to Cooper Kupp and friends. That is the Rams' strength and what's gotten them to this point.

I don't know, Angry. While I agree with your point about the Rams strength and what got them to the super bowl, the Bengals dropped 8 into coverage and literally shut down the chiefs passing game. I hope McVay expects the same from Zac Taylor and runs the ball A LOT, especially in the beginning of the game to tighten up the Bengals D. Nothing wrong with mixing it up though. JMO.

 

[snackdaddy]

Again, I think we win. We should win. We have the better team and better coaching. But in the NFL world of one and done take nothing for granted. Rams just have to make sure they keep going about their business just like any other game.

The media is unintentionally hurting the Bengals team with the coverage well in favor of them over the Rams. The Bengals don't have the experience of being here before. Its all glitz and glamour for them with the media fawning over them. Their fans claim it doesn't bother their team. But more of their focus will shift away from the game than the Rams.

 

[Angry Ram]

I don't know, Angry. While I agree with your point about the Rams strength and what got them to the super bowl, the Bengals dropped 8 into coverage and literally shut down the chiefs passing game. I hope McVay expects the same from Zac Taylor and runs the ball A LOT, especially in the beginning of the game to tighten up the Bengals D. Nothing wrong with mixing it up though. JMO.

If they drop into coverage they'll dink and dunk to to the TE, Cooper, OBJ in the holes, maybe the runner in the flats. Screens.

The Rams have a more diverse set of weapons. Chiefs have Travis Kelce and Tyreek, no one else. OBJ. Cooper. Van. even Kendall. PLUS the 2 backs. I'm not saying do 100% passing, but I want a big lead quick and early. Then try to have AD and Von go to work playing with a lead. Make THEM one dimensional.

 

[Kupped]

Is this the Akers breakout game?
Game one.. just get a feel for the game.
2.. a lot of touches.. and some uncharacteristic mistakes.
3... a grind.. tough yards that were important to the scheme's success.

Game 4? Enough touches in previous games to be back? A full week of rest and recovery?

I'm thinking we see last year's playoff Akers.

 

[AvengerRam]

Is this the Akers breakout game?
Game one.. just get a feel for the game.
2.. a lot of touches.. and some uncharacteristic mistakes.
3... a grind.. tough yards that were important to the scheme's success.

Game 4? Enough touches in previous games to be back? A full week of rest and recovery?

I'm thinking we see last year's playoff Akers.

The tough sledding against the Bucs’ and 49ers’ run defenses could be something of a “batting weight” for the less stout Bengals’ run D.