The game went down on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles California at 6:30 p.m. The stadium was filled with both Bengals and Rams fans, but the Rams ultimately had the advantage playing at their home field.
Overview of SoFi Stadium for the Super Bowl via Google Images
The Rams started off hot, getting a defensive stop on 4th down on the first drive of the game. They followed that stop with 6 PLAY, 50 yard drive resulting in a touchdown from QB Matt Stafford to WR Odell Beckham Jr. But the Bengals answered the next drive, putting together a 6 play, 59 yard drive ending in a 29 yard field goal from K Evan McPherson. At the end of the first quarter the score was 7-3 Rams up.
Rams WR Odell Beckham’s touchdown catch via Google Images
The next drive for the Rams resulted in another touchdown. It was a 6 play, 75 yard drive, the final play being a 11 yard touchdown pass from QB Matt Stafford to WR Cooper Kupp. The ran a fake field goal for the PAT but failed to convert, making the score 13-3. The Bengals then put together a 12 play, 75 yard drive. On the last play, the Bengals went into the bag of tricks, tossing the ball to Rb Joe Mixon who then threw a 6-yard pass to WR Tee Higgins to score, making the score 13-10 heading into the half.
Bengals WR Tee Higgins celebrating after his touchdown via Google Images
The first play of the first possession for the Bengals in the third quarter was a touchdown. WR Tee Higgins got away with a facemask pull on Rams CB Jalen Ramsey making him fall down, then Higgins completed the pass from QB Joe Burrow, and ran it in for the 75 yard touchdown putting them up 17-13. Then the Bengals defense got a stop then the offense only drove down for 11 yards, having to settle for a 38 yard field goal from K Evan McPherson, making their lead now 10 points. The Rams then went for a 10 play, 52-yard drive, ending in a 41-yard field goal by K Matt Gay to end the quarter.
Now it’s the 4th quarter, and only a 4 point game. Both teams in the forth went back and forth punting, until the final possession for the Rams. They went on a 15 play, 79-yard drive. At the 1 yard line, QB Matt Stafford throws a jump ball to WR Copper Kupp, who went up and grabbed the ball out the air over Bengals CB Eli Apple to score and take the lead 23-20 with under 2 minutes left.
WR Cooper Kupps’s game-winning touchdown catch to win the Super Bowl via Google Images
The Bengals faced a forth down, they had to convert to keep their hopes alive. But Rams DL Aaron Donald got to QB Joe Burrow and made him throw a bad pass, ending the possession. The Rams then took a knee, ending the game.
DL Aaron Donald celebrating after getting the sack to secure the win via Google Images
It was a great showing for Rams WR Cooper Kupp, as he won Super Bowl MVP after finishing with 8 catches, 92 yards and 2 touchdowns.
It was a great game overall. Even though the Bengals were one score shy of being champions, they earned their respect in the NFL for even being the position no one ever thought they were going to be in. And congratulations to the Rams as they won their first Super Bowl in over 20 years, since the year 2000. (all information in the article can be found on the ESPN website here)
The Rams celebrating with the Lombardi trophy via Google Images
