The Rams take on the Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati in Week 3. Kickoff on Monday night is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. pacific time on ESPN.
Ahead of the game, theRams.com examines 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, powered by The Wallace Firm:
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1) Limit impact of Chase and Higgins
Brevin Townsell/ LA Rams
Whether Joe Burrow (calf) plays or not – he's listed as questionable – the Rams will need to minimize the impact of wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on this game.
Higgins had eight catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. Chase hasn't had the numbers people are accustomed to seeing from him so far this season, but he's consistently capable of going for over 100 yards receiving. Between Higgins' catch radius and Chase's ability to gain yards after the catch, Los Angeles' secondary must keep both in check Monday night.
2. Establish the run
Travis Ellison / LA Rams
The Bengals enter Week 3 allowing the second-most rushing yards per game (192) this season. Getting running back Kyren Williams and the ground game going not only will help the Rams move the ball efficiently by keeping it ahead of the chains, but also protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
3. Generate pressure
Brevin Townsell/ LA Rams
At only three sacks allowed, Cincinnati is tied with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks for the eighth-fewest sacks allowed. While that is not the only metric for evaluating an offensive line's ability to pass protect, it still means the Bengals have mostly done well enough to keep Burrow's jersey clean.
