It’s very likely that when the Rams started game planning for the Bengals offense, the conversation started with this: “How do we cover Ja’Marr Chase and Cincinnati’s wide receivers?”
The trio of Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins is up there with the best in the NFL, and is the primary source of offense for the Bengals. During the regular season, they combined for 222 catches, 3,374 yards and 24 touchdowns, amounting to more than 60% of Joe Burrow’s production as a passer.
Joe Mixon is obviously still a threat at running back, both as a ball carrier and a receiver, but the Rams must find a way to contain the Bengals’ receivers and prevent them from taking over the game. That’s easier said than done, of course, especially with Jalen Ramsey being unable to cover all three at once.
That puts added pressure on Darious Williams, David Long Jr., Nick Scott and Eric Weddle, who will have to cover and tackle the likes of Higgins, Boyd and Chase throughout the night.
So how should the Rams go about containing this talented group of wideouts? There are a few different approaches they can take.
