From OTAs to Training Camp and through the first seventeen game season in NFL history. Not to mention one of the most exciting playoffs this writer can remember the Los Angeles Rams are Super Bowl Champions once again. Beating the Bengals 23-20 last night in Los Angeles.
Like the two sides of the coin flipped at the beginning of the game these two teams couldn’t be more different. LA the flashy free agent trade ladened squad of superstars with a true Hollywood mentality from its Head Coach down to the ball boys. And the blue collar Bengals whose endless history of high draft picks was finally brought together by head coach Zac Taylor and drafting of Joe Burrow and his LSU besty Ja’Marr chase.
Polar opposite of the last four Super Bowls, all of which were determined by two scores, the Rams and Bengals kept things close right up to the very end. LA got on the board first and led by 10 points at the beginning of the second quarter, but a Bengals trick play that saw running back Joe Mixon hit wideout Tee Higgins for a touchdown just before halftime coupled up with a patented Matt Stafford interception and a knee injury that would take Odell Beckham Jr out of the game looked to change the momentum. Cincy was down just three at the break 13-10.
I’m so excited about the #SuperBowlLVI halftime show. I feel like we’re about to witness history ❤️🤟 — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 14, 2022
After the Hip Hop AARP halftime show was over the Bengals who had deferred the kick to the second half took advantage of Patriots way and Burrow hit Tee Higgins for a 75 yard face mask helped TD and the lead. Followed by another Stafford INT that went off the hands of Rams wideout Ben Skowronek. Gave the Jungle Cats a 20-16 lead going into the fourth quarter.
“Al, I’ve gotta tell you. In a pressure situation I don’t know if I have ever seen anybody be better than Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.” Why must we say these things, people? We need not say the things. — Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) February 14, 2022
Enter Cooper Kupp
Remember him ? With no running game to speak of and most of Stafford’s “ weapons “ standing on the sideline. The Offensive player of the year took over. Culminating in one of the best final drives in the history of this game. Flags be damned second chances too. What Stafford and Kupp did at the end of regulation to win this game was nothing short of amazing. Everyone in the world knew Stafford had just one place to go during this drive and the Bengals couldn’t stop Mrs. Kupps baby boy Cooper. Who hauled in pass after pass to move the chains and a fade with less than two minutes left on the clock for the TD and 23-20 lead. Aaron Donald sealed the victory with his relentless pressure on Burrow in their last desperate seconds on the field.
You're a #SuperBowl Champion, @obj!#RamsHouse | #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/T3oHp03eYq — Super Bowl LVI on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 14, 2022
Was this one for the ages ? unless you’re a Rams fan probably not. But it was a fun game, a close game. And one no one will forget for a long time. Well no one in Cincy or LA anyway.
As always you can follow / give me grief on Twitter @Tmurph297