3 lessons to learn from Rams, Bengals making the…

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Troy Aikman said something interesting during the broadcast of the NFC Championship Game between the Rams and the 49ers – you’re only as good as your No. 3 wide receiver. That’s a lesson that both teams in the Super Bowl have taken to heart.

The Bengals took a lot of heat for passing on top left tackle prospect Penei Sewell in last year’s draft, instead opting to take LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. It was the right move. Chase went on to post 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie. Cincinnati also got great contributions from Tee Higgins (1,091 yards, six touchdowns) and Tyler Boyd (828 yards, five touchdowns). Together, they give the Bengals one of the strongest 1-2-3 combinations at wide receiver in the NFL and are a big reason why they’ve managed to come this far despite having a horrible offensive line.

The Rams also weren’t afraid to aggressively pursue a WR3 upgrade even though they already had an MVP candidate in Cooper Kupp and a superb No. 2 option in Robert Woods. They went out and signed Odell Beckham anyway, giving their pass offense another major boost for the stretch run. Beckham posted 305 yards and five touchdowns after the trade and has been instrumental in LA’s postseason run, including 113 yards against the 49ers.

The lesson is clear: a real investment at WR3 is worth it – even for a team like Seattle that already has two stars at the position. Dee Eskridge may develop into that key third option, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign another stud WR – especially since Beckham will be available again soon.