The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI on Sunday.
The game ended with a fourth-down stop by Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald to win it all.
The Rams controlled much of the first half, with receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp scoring the first two touchdowns of the day. The Bengals answered late in the second quarter with a trick play that led to a touchdown and an interception by safety Jessie Bates III.
Beckham — one of the premiere Rams receivers — left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury.
A Bengals touchdown and interception within the first 22 seconds of the second half changed the tempo. Receiver Tee Higgins caught a 75-yard touchdown in the first 12 seconds of the half and 10 seconds later, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie picked off a pass from Stafford.
Late in the 4th quarter, and after a long drive that included 15 plays — four runs and 10 passes — Kupp scored a crucial touchdown, giving the Rams a three-point lead. The Bengals had an opportunity to answer back, but were unable to convert on fourth down, ending the game.
Kupp — who had eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns — was named Super Bowl MVP on Sunday. Kupp was also named NFL’s offensive player of the year Thursday.
** The Rams came to the Super Bowl looking to redeem themselves after losing the big game in 2019 against the New England Patriots. That game saw head coach Sean McVay making his Super Bowl debut as the youngest ever to coach a team in the Super Bowl. At 36, McVay is the youngest Super Bowl-winning head coach.
** Stafford also had something to prove. This was his first season with the Rams after playing his first 12 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.
** Between Los Angeles and St. Louis, the Rams have made five Super Bowl appearances, with their only other championship win in 2000, in Super Bowl XXXIV.
