Super Bowl 2022 LIVE: Los Angeles Rams vs Cincinnati Bengals result as Cooper Kupp wins MVP
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl and the Vince Lombardi Trophy
The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl 56 after a rollercoaster game with the Cincinnati Bengals. Cooper Kupp scored the winning touchdown before Aaron Donald made the decisive play in a 23-20 game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for three touchdowns as he out duelled Joe Burrow in a see-saw game that went back and forth before LA, on their home field, emerged victorious in the fourth quarter. It is a second Super Bowl win for the Rams, following their first - as the St Louis Rams - back in 1999, as coach Sean McVay makes amends for defeat in the big game three years ago.
Odell Beckham Jr grabbed the opening score in the first quarter before Kupp hauled in his first of the night as the Rams jumped out to an early lead. But the Bengals, who have gone from the foot of the AFC North a year ago all the way to the showpiece game, came roaring back and a pair of Tee Higgins touchdowns either side of half-time saw them come back to lead heading into the fourth.
Crucially though Stafford still had time and on the Rams’ final possession drove all the way down before finding Kupp in the end zone to recapture the advantage. And with time ticking down Donald sacked Burrow on fourth down on the following drive to end the game and spark jubilant scenes in LA.
Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg kicks things up
Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg begin the half-time festivities with those iconic opening notes of “The Next Episode”, some slightly adapted lyrics to ensure it appeals to all audiences. Mr. Dogg is afforded the first opportunity to display his flow, dancing through a false front room of a faux beachside property in the centre of SoFi Stadium.
Now it is time for some “California Love”, Dre PHD adding his bars to those of his hip hop colleague.
Time for the half-time show!
Need a reminder of the star-studded lineup?
Passing charts
One long completion to Ja’Marr Chase, but otherwise it has been all quick game and checkdowns from Joe Burrow. He’s getting the ball out of his hands as quickly as he can.
H/T: Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals
It’s tight at the half. Neither side has yet unlocked their offensive potential, with the Rams’ passing game functioning well, but Sean McVay slightly more conservative with his play-calling than expected, and shorn of a crucial weapon in Odell Beckham Jr. The Bengals, conversely, will be pleased with the way their offensive line has held up, but will fear that the Rams may be able to capitalise as they fatigue later. Joe Mixon had a good half, averaging nearly six yards a carry and tossing that touchdown, which helped keep the Rams’ pass-rush in check - it’s perfectly poised.
HALF TIME: Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals
Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals, 0:13, 2nd Quarter
One-on-one coverage for Van Jefferson, but that is the problem for the Rams now - the Bengals have extra help to Cooper Kupp’s side and aren’t as worried about the Rams’ other receiving options with Odell Beckham questionable to return. Chidobe Awuzie stays in Jefferson’s hip pocket and a safe throw from Matthew Stafford tumbles down three yards out of his receiver’s reach.
The Rams punt for a touchback, and a kneel down from Joe Burrow will take us to half-time.
Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals, 0:18, 2nd Quarter
Nearly! A pinpoint pass from Matthew Stafford up the left sideline but Darrell Henderson isn’t quite ready as it flies over the shoulder of Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. It his the turf.
Cooper Kupp’s hands are safe. The Rams take their final timeout after he is tackled for a 9-yard gain at the 50.
Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals, 0:30, 2nd Quarter
Kevin Huber’s punt is powerfully struck. 30 seconds left in the quarter - the Rams will start at their own 41. Is there time for a score before half-time?
SACK! Los Angeles Rams 13-10 Cincinnati Bengals, 0:37, 2nd Quarter
Joe Burrow is sacked! Blanket coverage downfield from the Rams secondary and an overload blitz on the left hand side of the offensive line. Burrow has adjusted his protection well, sliding to cover the extra Rams body, but Aaron Donald creates some inside push and forces the quarterback to step into Leonard Floyd, who wraps his long around the Bengals quarterback to end the drive.
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