The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to win Superbowl LVI on Sunday, Feb. 13.
The game went back and forth but ended with a three-point victory for the Rams, thanks to big games from Cooper Kupp, Matt Stafford and Aaron Donald.
A first-quarter drive by the Rams that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr. gave the Rams an early 7-0 lead. Later in the quarter, a big play by Ja’Marr Chase, a Bengals wide receiver, placed the Bengals in the red zone. Unable to convert for a touchdown, the Bengals kicked a field goal to make the game 7-3.
The Rams wasted no time and started the second quarter with a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp. Unfortunately for the Rams, they fumbled the snap for the extra point, and the game was 13-3.
With a bit over five minutes left in the half, the Bengals converted a touchdown that may have been the play of the game. Joe Mixon, a Bengals running back, pitched the ball, but instead of running towards the end zone, he threw the ball to Tee Higgins for the touchdown. This was the first of two touchdowns for Higgins. This would be the last score of the half, and the Rams had a 13-10 lead.
The second half started hot when 12 seconds in, Joe Burrow completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Just 10 seconds after that, the Bengals picked off Matt Stafford. Just 22 seconds into the half, the Bengals had a touchdown, an interception and all the momentum. The Rams were able to stop them in the red zone, and the Bengals settled for a field goal. The game was now 20-13 Bengals. The Rams were able to get a field goal, and the third quarter ended 20-16, with the Bengals in the lead.
The last score of the game was a one-yard touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp, his second of the game. It gave the Rams a three-point lead to win the game. Kupp finished the game with two touchdowns, 92 receiving yards and seven rushing yards. This was enough for him to be given MVP. “I just don’t have words, I’m just so thankful,” Kupp said after receiving the MVP.
Kupp finished this season with the 2021 NFL Offensive player of the year, Superbowl LVI MVP and the triple crown (leading the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns).
Superbowl LVI wasn’t the only game this weekend. Dog lovers had their own game, as the annual Puppy Bowl took place on Sunday morning. The game lasted three long hours and finished with Team Fluff defeating Team Ruff with a final score of 73-69.
