The Los Angeles Rams came from behind late to overcome injuries and win Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals, 23–20, for their second franchise championship at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Feb. 13.
Cooper Kupp won the MVP Award, and is the fourth player in the NFL to score at least one touchdown in four games in the post-season. Kupp had eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns; none bigger than the game-winner.
“Kupp made incredible plays,” QB Matthew Stafford said. It took hours of hard work together with Kupp. Also, “our defense played outstanding.”
Stafford explained that the team improved greatly playing against each other in practice to sharpen their skills; and what makes the team special is that “we pull for each other. We just care for each other from top down,” beginning with coach Sean McVay, Stafford said.
Stafford became the fourth QB to throw two or more touchdowns in four games in a post-season. Stafford finished with 283 yards passing on 26 of 40 attempts for three touchdowns, and two interceptions; he was able to continue after a defensive lineman rolled his ankle.
“I’m so proud of this team,” Stafford continued. “So many great players that have given their heart and soul to this team, guys that are either playing this game or not, cause injury or whatever.”
The Rams opened the scoring on their second possession, taking advantage of the Bengals gamble on failing to convert on 4th and 1 at midfield; the Rams’ defense contained the potent Bengal offense through much of the first half.
The Rams scored from the short field of 50 yards on six plays in 3:35 minutes, culminating in a Stafford 17-yard touchdown pass to Odell Beckham.
Beckham would not return after suffering a left knee injury attempting a short reception with 3:50 remaining before half-time; he finished with 52 yards on two catches, and the important first touchdown.
Beckham’s injury would have a major impact on the game, as it allowed the Bengals defense to double-team and limit the Rams’ top receiver Kupp.
The Rams were also missing tight end, Tyler Higbee, due to injury in the Divisional playoff game.
The Bengals were held by the Rams’ defense until a six play, 59-yard drive that resulted in a 29-yard field goal by Evan McPherson, who had been perfect in the post-season.
The Rams answered with a 75-yard, six-play drive for another Stafford touchdown pass; this time to Cooper Kupp for 11 yards to take a 13–3 lead after the extra point was unsuccessful due to the holder, Johnny Hekker, dropping the snap.
Cincinnati came right back with their own 75-yard drive on 12 plays with a flea-flicker, as Joe Mixon received a pitch-out from Burrow and threw a six yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to Tee Higgins to get within three, 13–10.
Mixon is the fifth non-quarterback to throw a touchdown pass—it was the first of his career.
The Bengals came out in the second half with two quick scores. The first came on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to Higgins; the replay showed that Higgins pulled the face mask of Jalen Ramsey, who fell, to go untouched to the end zone to take their first lead 17–13.
On the Rams’ ensuing play, Stafford threw a pass that came off of the hands of TE Ben Skowronek for an interception. The Bengals added a field goal to lead 20–13 with 10:15 in the third quarter.
The Rams countered with a drive of 52 yards on 10 plays, that led to a 41-yard field goal by Matt Gay to come within four, 20–16.
Both offenses were bogged down by the opposing defenses. Bengals coach, Zac Taylor, was a former assistant for the Rams under Sean McVay, so the teams are quite similar offensively.
Burrow would also be limited with a knee injury with 11:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, but continued playing, refusing to be checked out by his trainers.
Burrow threw for 263 yards from 22 of 33 attempts, and one touchdown; he was sacked seven times losing 43 yards.
Higgins led the Bengals in receptions with four for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase added 89 yards on five receptions. Besides the TD pass, Mixon rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries.
With 6:13 remaining in the game, the Rams went 75 yards on their final drive, of 15 plays to eventually score on Stafford’s one-yard touchdown pass to Kupp; to the right side of the end zone with 1:25 remaining. Kupp caught four passes total on the drive.
The drive nearly stopped on 4th and 1 at the Rams’ 30-yard line, when Kupp ran an end-around for seven yards for a much needed first down.
Burrow and the Bengals offense had enough time to drive for a tie or win, but was stopped on downs by the Rams’ defense.
Rams’ best defensive player, Donald, tackled Perine Samaje on 3rd and 1, and nearly sacked Burrow on 4th and 1, forcing a desperation incomplete to end the game, victorious 23–20.
“I wanted this so bad,” said an emotional Donald immediately after the game. “I dreamed of this. It’s so great. God is great!”
Donald had mentioned retirement after the Super Bowl but would not confirm, stating, “I’m just gonna live in the moment” and celebrate the victory with family and teammates; he had told his daughter that he promised her a Super Bowl win.
