ATLANTA — Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor is expected to be named the Cincinnati Bengals’ new coach as early as Monday.

Last month, Taylor was one of five candidates interviewed for the Broncos’ head coach opening. General manager John Elway and other team officials traveled to California to meet with Taylor over dinner.

“First-class organization,” Taylor said of the Broncos. “The people in the room were great and asked great questions. I thought we had a great conversation. It was a really good experience for me.

“You walked away with a really good appreciation for that organization and the people who were in the room.”

The Broncos hired Vic Fangio as coach last month.

Taylor, a former quarterback, said it was particularly interesting talking shop with Elway, a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.

“It’s always fun talking to guys who have played the position,” Taylor said. “It’s easier to connect that way because you can get more specific into the play of the quarterback. We had some great dialogue.”

Taylor said the Broncos’ interview was “all-encompassing. Quarterback play. Offensive scheme. Overall team philosophy. We got into a little bit of everything.”

Rough start. The Patriots’ first two drives ended with an interception and missed field goal.

In nine Super Bowls with coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots have scored a combined three first-quarter points.

On the opening possession, the Patriots moved to the Rams’ 34 before Nickell Robey-Coleman broke up a Brady pass that was intercepted by Cory Littleton. The Rams, though, went three-and-out.

The Patriots started their drive at the 12-yard line, but moved all the way to the Rams’ 31. On third-and-8, after their second timeout of the possession, the Patriots opted for a James White run that gained three yards. Stephen Gostkowski missed a 46-yard field goal.

The Rams weren’t any better. They had two first-half first downs.

Taking stock. Patriots defensive line coach Brendan Daly made his fourth Super Bowl appearance in his five years on New England’s staff.

During the grind of a postseason, is there an opportunity to take stock?

“You appreciate it,” Daly said. “I’ve done this long enough and had enough losing seasons over the course of my career that I refuse to allow myself to not appreciate it. There have been nights I’ve gone home after a long day and I’m exhausted but I lay down and say, ‘How awesome is it to be preparing for a Super Bowl?’ You can’t wait to get up tomorrow and work.”

Footnotes. Rams punter Johnny Hekker on former Broncos running back C.J. Anderson, who was signed in mid-December: “Incredibly impressive. C.J. is a true pro’s pro, a guy who has never let his situation determine his attitude. He’s worked and been a guy who’s been quick to point out the team when he’s had success. We wouldn’t be here without him.” … Next five Super Bowl locations: Miami Gardens, Fla., (Feb. 2, 2020), Tampa, Fla. (Feb. 7, 2021), Los Angeles (Feb. 6, 2022), Glendale, Ariz., (tentatively Feb. 5, 2023) and New Orleans (tentatively Feb. 4, 2024). … The Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof was opened for the pregame festivities, including a flyover, before it was closed for the game.