The Los Angeles Rams scored a touchdown with less than two minutes remaining in the game, to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After the two teams failed to get anything going on their first drives with a punt and turnover on downs, Los Angeles struck first on its second possession.
The Rams went 50 yards on six plays and the drive was capped with Matthew Stafford throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass to former LSU star Odell Beckham Jr.
After the teams traded punts, Cincinnati got going as former LSU star Joe Burrow found his Tiger teammate Ja’Marr Chase down the sideline for a 46-yard reception. Despite the ball being at the 11-yard line, the Bengals had to settle for a Evan McPherson 29-yard field goal.
Los Angeles responded by marching down the field for a 75-yard drive which ended with a 11-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Cooper Kupp. The snap on the extra point attempt was bobbled.
Cincinnati answered that score with a 12-play, 75-yard drive and used a trick play to find the end zone. Bengals running back Joe Mixon threw a six-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins.
Cincinnati’s defense came up with a huge play right before halftime as Jessie Bates III picked off an errant pass by Stafford in the end zone.
At the break, the Rams held a 13-10 lead.
Cincinnati needed only one play to take the lead in the second half. Burrow connected with Higgins for a 75-yard touchdown pass.
Cininnati’s defense forced another turnover on the following possession as Chidobe Awuzie picked off a Stafford pass across the middle. The Bengals’ ensuing drive stalled as Burrow was sacked on third down. Cincinnati settled for a 38-yard field goal by McPherson.
Los Angeles was able to cut into the lead with a 10-play, 52-yard drive but the Rams had to settle for a Matt Gay 41-yard field goal.
Los Angeles then took the lead on a methodical 15-play, 79-yard drive that ate up 4:48 off the clock. The Rams capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Cooper Kupp with under two minutes to play.
With the Rams leading 23-20, the Bengals got the ball and went 26 yards down the field and had the ball at the 49-yard line. Facing fourth and one, Burrow was pressured and his throw to his running back hit the turf.
The Rams proceeded to take the field inside SoFi Stadium and celebrated winning the Super Bowl.
BIG NUMBER: 7
Joe Burrow was sacked a Super Bowl-tying record seven times in Sunday’s game. Burrow shares the record with Dallas Cowboys’ Roger Staubach who was sacked that many times in Super Bowl X.
BIG NUMBER: 36
At the age of 36 years and 22 days, Rams head coach Sean McVay became the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl. The previous youngest was Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin who won it at 36 years, 10 months and 18 days.
PLAYERS OF THE GAME: COOPER KUPP & AARON DONALD
Cupp led the Rams with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, to earn MVP honors. Donald meanwhile sacked Burrow twice and hit him a total of three times.
