INGLEWOOD- Trailing 20-16 late in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, February 13, the Los Angeles Rams drove 79 yards down the field culminating in the 1-yard TD reception by wide receiver Cooper Kup with just one minute and twenty five seconds left in this thrilling contest.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20 in a thrilling Super Bowl victory for the ages. This marks the Rams second Super Bowl, more important, it is the Los Angeles Rams first Super Bowl victory!
Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP, hauling in eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdown receptions. Barely edging out Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who was spectacular with two key sacks. Donald is the greatest defensive player of this generation; as the Rams began celebrating their impending victory Donald made a grand gesture tapping on his ring finger, signaling the final memento of a shiny Super Bowl ring.
Redemption and legacy have been the two themes of the Rams, General Manager Les Snead moved heaven and earth to get the right guys in the building. Taking several gambles along the way, including trading away several draft picks for veterans like Stafford and picking up linebacker Von Miller and receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
After jumping out to a 13-3 lead the Rams found themselves down 17-13 after a 75 yard touchdown throw from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins. The controversial play appeared to show Higgins face mask and throw Jalen Ramsey to the ground. However, on this first play of the third quarter no penalty was called.
“I can’t say enough about the resilience of this team,” coach Sean McVay said. “Guys stepping up when they had to … That’s why we’re world champs, because our best players stepped up in the most crucial and critical moments.” At just 36 years old, McVay becomes the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.
On the next play, Stafford threw his second interception of the game. Thankfully, the Rams D held firm, holding the Bengals to a field goal, giving Cincinnati a 20-13 lead. A horrible start for the Rams final half of their season, but the Bengals would score no more points on the evening.
You don’t have a successful receiver without all the other guys doing their job so each of those guys who has stepped on the field, I am so incredibly thankful for them.” said Kupp
