The Bengals’ 2021 Season Recap

Despite what happens on Sunday, the Bengals’ season will be one to remember for years. However, the offseason wasn’t easy for coach Zac Taylor. There were questions if he was the guy for the Bengals organization, but the front office fully supported him. That soon translated to offseason moves and upgrades that can further develop Joe Burrow’s production, ensure that Zac Taylor keeps his job, and also solidify their cinderella run to the Super Bowl.

Signing big time free agents like former Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson and drafting big time talents like Ja’Marr Chase and Evan “Big Mac” McPherson was what gave the Bengals a chance to do something special. Like the Eagles and Dolphins, the Bengals went after Ja’Marr Chase to give Burrow a familiar face to be comfortable with. In the end, that all benefited for both and the rest of the team.

Despite being projected to finish last in the AFC North, the Bengals clawed their way to a division title while the Steelers were offensively lethargic, the Ravens were battered and bruised, and Cleveland played like…Cleveland. Five of their seven losses were by five points or less. Once they made the postseason, they outplayed the Raiders, outlasted the Titans, and bounced back in the second half to outplay the Chiefs for their third Super Bowl appearance since1989.

SUPER BOWL HISTORY – 0-2

1982: CINCINNATI BENGALS vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – L 21-26

1989: CINCINNATI BENGALS vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – L 16-20

The Rams’ 2021 Season Recap

The Rams wanted the right to play in their domain for Super Bowl Sunday, but they had to make moves to give them a chance like the 2018 team that previously went all in.

They traded away three picks (2 first rounders) and Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford. They also traded Michael Brockers to the Lions to clear up cap space. They signed DeSean Jackson only to waive him while acquiring Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr. in trades, and then convinced and signed Eric Weddle out of retirement (before playing the Cardinals on Super Wild Card Monday).

In the middle of everything behind closed doors, the Rams were the team to beat in the NFC. They went on a three-game winning streak, four-game winning streak, and five game winning streak all in one season. They also overcame a winless November (which I assumed they focused more on turkey). During the playoffs, they clipped the Cardinals, held off Tom Brady to send him packing into retirement (which Brady said isn’t permanent), and made their home field stand against the 49ers to end their six game losing streak to them and host the Super Bowl.

SUPER BOWL HISTORY – 1-3

1980: LOS ANGELES RAMS vs. PITTSBURGH STEELERS – L 19-31

2000: ST. LOUIS RAMS vs. TENNESSEE TITANS – W 23-16

2002: ST. LOUIS RAMS vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – L 17-20

2019: LOS ANGELES RAMS vs. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS – L 3-13

The Matchup

Sean McVay and Zac Taylor are back in the Super Bowl, but on opposing sides now. Taylor used to be McVay’s quarterback coach during the 2018 season. Taylor moved on to become the Bengals’ head coach after the Super Bowl. The Rams went all in with everything and it may pay off at home if they can win. The Bengals have other ideas with such young, offensive talent combined with experience on defense. Matt Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Joe Burrow, and Ja’Marr Chase will get most of the attention, but don’t be surprised if defense rules the evening late in the game. The only issue with this matchup is Cincinnati’s offensive line against the Rams’ front seven. Joe Burrow managed his questionable line to still dominate the competition in the postseason. I’ll give the edge to the Rams for their defense making the fourth quarter impact.

MY PICK: RAMS