The 2021 Cincinnati Bengals are on a historic playoff run.
They got the franchise’s first postseason victory in 31 years after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders during Super Wild Card Weekend.
A week later, they achieved the team’s first-ever road playoff win in the Divisional Round against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans.
Now, the Kansas City Chiefs are between them and a stint in Super Bowl LVI.
A victory over Andy Reid‘s crew will give the Bengals their third Super Bowl appearance and their first since the 1988 season.
However, they will be the underdogs because the Chiefs have home-field advantage, and they’ve been the AFC’s Super Bowl representative for the past two seasons.
It doesn’t mean that the Bengals don’t have a shot against Patrick Mahomes and company.
In fact, they defeated the Chiefs at home in Week 17 this season.
But for a repeat victory for Joe Burrow and crew to happen, here’s what they must address throughout the game.
3. Make Mahomes, Hill, And Kelce Uncomfortable
The Buffalo Bills would have been in a better position to win if they didn’t miss opportunities in sacking Mahomes.
He could extend plays by moving outside the pocket to evade the Buffalo pass rush.
The Bengals cannot let Mahomes’ elusiveness and creativity dictate the outcome.
That said, Cincinnati hopes that Trey Hendrickson will play against Kansas City after suffering an injury in Tennessee.
Aside from him, Sam Hubbard, D.J. Reader, and B.J. Hill must barge their way through the Chiefs’ offensive line to make Mahomes uncomfortable.
The Bengals defense must also establish the edges to contain where Mahomes can scramble.
Keeping Mahomes on his toes limits the chances of completing passes to Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.
As for those two receivers, putting two defenders on them will limit the Chiefs’ passing game.
Zac Taylor’s team is in a good position if another receiver beats them.
2. Mix Up The Passing Game
Having Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd allows Burrow to complete deep throws.
However, they can continuously confuse the Chiefs’ defensive backs and linebackers if they mix in intermediate passes.
Releasing the ball faster at times will throw the Chiefs off their timing.
They can also use Chase as a decoy to attract multiple defenders to open up the middle of the field.
A slant or post route will be open if they bite on his route.
If the Chiefs choose to cover the underneath routes, Chase or Higgins will be open downfield.
Having much success in their varied passing game will also open up gaps for Joe Mixon to exploit.
Mixon will find those holes past the Chiefs’ defensive line, whether he’s a runner or a receiver.
1. Protect Joe Burrow
The Bengals can’t expect to win again if the Chiefs get nine sacks.
Seriously speaking, the Cincinnati offensive line should have their best performance all season if they are to win on the road.
The same line allowed 51 sacks on Burrow throughout the regular season.
They can’t afford stalled drives against a high-scoring team like Kansas City.
Therefore, the Bengals must find a way to score on every possession to give the Chiefs a tougher time.
Taking care of Burrow will afford him more time to complete huge gains with their receivers.
More importantly, an injury on Burrow because of a sack is synonymous with game over.
Cincinnati must always offer staunch resistance against Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and Melvin Ingram III if they want to book their spot in Super Bowl LVI.
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