Blood Pressure Blog

It’s truly a bittersweet time in the football season. The 5-month buildup to the greatest single game in American sports is just around the corner, following an amazing set of playoff matchups with twists, turns, and comebacks every round. It’s sad knowing there’s only one game left, and I look back on this season in providing me with hundreds of hours of entertainment, through fantasy football, gambling, and just being a fan of the game. No American sport has the crazy, vivacious, religious following like the NFL, and the Superbowl is the perfect culmination to that

Feelings aside, we’ve arrived at a very strange matchup. The Cincinnati Bengals have defied all odds, from midseason struggles, a QB coming back from significant knee surgery, and a weak offensive line. However, as one of the most tenacious teams in the league, their big play offense and reasonable defense have elevated their play to make the most meaningful plays in the most difficult of times. No other moments like this were as pivotal as the AFC championship game, with Mahomes throwing two interceptions, one in overtime, that led to the walk off field goal from Evan McPherson – likely one of the best young kickers in the NFL. We’ve known the Bengals have always had a great offense, but the defense especially stepped up, bottling up the Chiefs to 3-points in the second half, and making huge plays against the Titans in the divisional round. The Bengals are the more dangerous yet inexperienced team in the Super Bowl, likely to be playing with house money.

The Rams on the other hand, had a very up and down regular season and playoffs. LA seems to play up or down to their opponents. As clearly one of the most talented teams in the NFL with the greatest number of sheer weapons – play calling, grit, and mental errors have caused some mishaps during the season. The Rams seem to play in several close games, rarely beating teams convincingly – seen this season against the 49ers, a team with lesser talent but overall better coached. The inconsistencies of Matt Stafford also rear their ugly head occasionally, reverting back to Lions Matt Stafford that throws 3-INTs per game. A full team effort from all guys plus bulletproof play calling needs to take effect in the Superbowl.

On paper, either team has a very clear game plan. The Bengals need to focus on preventing sacks and defensive miscues, as this game will likely be won on better defense and whether the defense can contain Cooper Kupp. Kupp is likely the greatest trump card in the Rams sleeve – though he’s by far the best WR on the season, teams don’t cover him on 3^rd down or the endzone. The attention to Higbee, Jefferson, and OBJ will be key as well, likely relying on safety help on a tight end or Kupp. The Bengals on offense cannot afford to turn the ball over. It’s not crazy to say that Joe Burrow is a better quarterback than Matt Stafford, with lese turnovers.  

If there are real winners in this Superbowl, it’s the city of Cincinnati – never did they think about making the Superbowl with a second-year quarterback, and they’ve turned into a really fun fanbase to root with, like Bills Mafia. The Bears and the Jets are also winners as well, beating the Bengals in the regular season. Regardless, this should be a great game.