How the Bengals' O-Line Can Handle the Rams' Pass Rush
The Bengals’ offensive line has struggled in protection all season. They allowed the 3rd most sacks in the NFL, which is saying something considering they have a quarterback in Joe Burrow who has great anticipation and coverage recognition skills. They’ve managed to overcome these issues. After all, they are playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday. However, their matchup against Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and the rest of the Rams’ D-line will likely be their toughest of the season.
Cincinnati’s protection issues exist across their offensive line. However, the right side has been especially vulnerable of late. Starting right tackle Riley Reiff has been out since Week 14, replaced by back-up Isaiah Prince (#75):
At right guard, Hakeem Adeniji took over the position in Week 9 but has struggled whether in 1-on-1 matchups or when handling stunts:
Adeniji split snaps with rookie Jackson Carman in the AFC Championship game. It’s possible Cincinnati does something similar in the Super Bowl or makes a switch at right guard altogether.
Either way, there will be no hiding from Aaron Donald and Von Miller. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will find ways to align his stud pass rushers so they end up with advantageous 1-on-1 matchups.
He’ll do this in several ways from various alignments. We’ll see Donald and Miller split to opposite sides of the formation at times, forcing the O-line to slide in one direction and leave a 1-on-1 to the other side. Here, the Buccaneers’ O-line slid to Donald’s side leaving Miller singled up off the edge:
On the below snap, Morris used alignment and late movement to get Miller and Donald matched up 1-on-1 inside against both guards:
Morris will also align them to the same side at times. As long as he can find ways to occupy the center via blitzes or alignment, he can ensure 1-on-1’s for his best pass rushers out of this look. Donald and Miller were aligned to the right on the snap that sealed L.A.’s NFC Championship Game win, for instance: