One last matchup, one last game plan for victory. And this is the big one. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals will meet in Super Bowl LVI. How can each team win the final game of the 2021 NFL season and hoist the Lombardi trophy?
How can offensive and defensive coordinators or playcallers on each team exploit matchups? And which players and schemes could have the biggest impact on who does end up champion? Can the Rams cool down the Joe Burrow-Ja'Marr Chase connection? Will the Bengals be able to contain Von Miller and Co. coming off the edge? Let's scheme up some victories.
We took a closer look at the Super Bowl matchup and picked out game-plan keys — three for each team — that can create edges and a path to victory. Plus, we identified game-breakers and under-the-radar impact players for both the Rams and Bengals, solved an issue for each team with scheme fixes, pointed out crucial pass-game matchups and broke down the most important thing for both quarterbacks. And, of course, I closed with my pick for the winning team.
Want more insight into the X's and O's for this great Super Bowl matchup? Check out Sunday's edition of NFL Matchup on ESPN2 at 8:30 a.m. ET. But for now, here's how each team can win on Sunday.
Jump to:Bengals' game plan | Rams' game planSchematic answers | Pass-game matchupsGame-breakers | Under-the-radar X factorsQuarterbacking keys | Bowen's pick
1. Protect quarterback Joe Burrow with first-down play-action throws
Burrow was sacked nine times in the divisional-round win over the Titans, and then the Chiefs' defense produced a pressure rate of 35.7% against Cincinnati in the AFC Championship Game. We know Cincinnati has pass-protection issues, especially on the interior of the
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