Rams' Third Quarter Defense Changed Bengals' Trajectory

The Los Angeles Rams defense did a very solid job against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of Monday night's Super Bowl rematch, but the third quarter was a different story.

The Los Angeles Rams were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals 19-16 in Monday night's highly anticipated 2021 Super Bowl rematch.

The Rams defense did a very solid job against quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense in the first half, as Los Angeles allowed just five plays of over 10 yards and six points on the scoreboard.

However, Cincinnati only needed two drives in the third quarter to change the game's trajectory.

The Bengals' first drive of the second half looked as though they were back to being the feared team they were expected to be coming into the season, as they got it done through the air and ground. Receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins contributed three receptions for a combined 42 yards, while running back Joe Mixon recorded a 13-yarder and then ended the drive with a touchdown from 14 yards out. The possession went 10 plays for 75 yards in about five minutes.

Bengals Reciever Ja'Marr Chase with another impressive catch / © Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

In an attempt to quickly replicate Cincinnati's drive, Rams quarterback Stafford connected with receiver Van Jefferson for 46 yards on the first play of the possession. However, on the next snap, Stafford threw an interception to linebacker Logan Wilson for the second time after a tip at the line of scrimmage by cornerback Mike Hilton.

Burrow and the offense somewhat capitalized immediately as the quarterback fake tossed to the left side, but proceeded to scramble right and launch the ball towards Chase for a 43-yard gain. Nevertheless, the Rams would hold them to a 48-yard field goal a couple of plays later to make the score 16-9.

As previously stated, the Rams defense held Cincinnati to just five plays of over 10 yards in the first half. But in the third quarter alone, the Bengals had six long gains, with five coming on the first drive.

The Bengals finished the first half with 150 total yards, but on their two third quarter drives, they amassed 123.

Cincinnati's offense struggled in the fourth quarter, but their defense rode the third period's momentum for the final 15 minutes. The Rams offense scored a one-yard touchdown with about one minute left in regulation to make it 19-16, but Cincinnati constantly pressured Stafford into sacks and inaccurate throws before it.