Super Bowl LVI is just days away, and the NFL will crown a new champion.
It’s been 17 seasons since the league had repeat champions, and the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams will continue the streak.
The Bengals last played in the big game during the 1988 season but lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
Meanwhile, the Rams won a Super Bowl in 1999, but they were in St. Louis.
This game will be their third appearance as a Los Angeles-based team, and they have yet to win the title.
Each team’s success will depend on how their players at these positions will perform.
With both teams having similar compositions, gaining an edge on these positional battles may spell the difference between winning and losing.
3. Defensive Line
Both quarterbacks can make their opponents pay if given much time to throw.
Therefore, the defensive linemen need to pressure the play-caller constantly.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald will punish the Bengals’ offensive line to emulate what the Tennessee Titans did to Joe Burrow.
His strength forces offensive linemen to double-team him, leaving another pass rusher like Von Miller or Leonard Floyd open.
Cincinnati will have a long night if Donald dominates the trench.
Here are the #SBLVI sack specialists
Aaron Donald vs Trey Hendrickson
Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals
Who gets more sacks? Donald or Hendrickson Donald
10:30AM AEDT Monday 14th February 2022
LIVE on Channel 7 ESPN Australia / NZ and https://t.co/q5kyN3hTZT pic.twitter.com/coRvE2WvIZ
— ♑KD314♑ (@kendell_m) February 9, 2022
On the other hand, Trey Hendrickson has been an excellent free-agent pickup for the Bengals.
He has been the anchor of the Bengals pass rush and did not register a sack in just one of 14 games played.
He helped the Bengals’ pass rush by getting 2.5 sacks in three playoff games despite injury concerns.
Hendrickson and Donald might change the game’s complexion if left unblocked.
Once they get going, expect a low-scoring game for both teams.
2. Quarterback
Super Bowl LVI will feature two quarterbacks with contrasting journeys.
Burrow needed just two seasons to reach the big game, which is impressive for a number one draft pick who often goes to the worst team.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford waited for more than a decade to finally have his moment on the big stage.
The Rams brought him in to widen their championship window, and he delivered.
Stafford vs. Burrow
The former No. 1 picks talk with @richeisen days before #SBLVI. (via @nflnetwork) pic.twitter.com/2qamu3iiku
— NFL (@NFL) February 8, 2022
Stafford has been lights out during the playoffs, having two 300-yards games and six touchdowns with only one interception.
He is also completing 72 percent of his passes during the playoffs and contributed two rushing scores.
On the other hand, Burrow led the Bengals to an 18-point comeback that helped defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.
His offensive line may have let him down numerous times, but he keeps on finding ways to win.
1. Wide Receiver
It wouldn’t be surprising if the game turned into a shootout because both teams have superb receiving corps.
The Rams have solid contributions from Odell Beckham Jr. and Van Jefferson.
However, Cooper Kupp has been the main attraction after leading the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
The Bengals and Rams virtually only use 11 and 12 personnel. Every other team mixes in three tight end sets or two running back sets or four wide receiver sets much, much more often.
The Bengals and the Rams "major in" what they’re best at and rely on those strengths.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) February 7, 2022
Meanwhile, the Bengals also have elite receivers like Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase.
Both quarterbacks will look to activate their targets in hopes of winning Super Bowl LVI.
The game will turn into a track meet if the receivers keep fielding balls from their talented quarterbacks.
NEXT: 3 Takeaways From Roger Goodell's Press Conference
