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.
Los Angeles Rams 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals, 5:00, 1st Quarter
This has been a good defensive start from the Rams. Joe Burrow quickly checks the ball down to his running back, but Troy Reeder and the rest of the Rams underneath coverage rush up to stop Joe MIxon for no game.
The Bengals then go back to empty, with Mixon split out wide. Burrow connects with Ja’Marr Chase, but Taylor Rapp grabs him for a six-yard gain. Third down and six.
Back-up running back Chris Evans is in the game, and Joe Burrow likes the matchup against Ernest Jones. Evans has a step but Burrow puts a little bit too much air underneath his floated pass, with pressure from Greg Gaines and Leonard Floyd in his face. Three and out!
Los Angeles Rams 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals, 6:22, 1st Quarter
A penny for Baker Mayfield’s thoughts after another touchdown for Odell Beckham Jr for the Rams?
Los Angeles Rams 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals, 6:22, 1st Quarter
That’s the blueprint for the Rams. A chunk play to Cooper Kupp on third down and then to their other offensive star. What an impact Odell Beckham has had for this team, giving them a different element to the receiving room, which has proved vital during this play-off run particularly.
The Rams kick-off is a touchback.
OBJ! Los Angeles Rams 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals, 6:22, 1st Quarter
TOUCHDOWN! Odell Beckham catches a 22-yard pass from Matthew Stafford and the Rams lead!
The Rams go in front! Odell Beckham lines up in the slot on the right hand side of the field, inside Van Jefferson. He beats the press of Mike Hilton, running a fade route to the outside. Matthe Stafford puts his pass right on the money, and Beckham’s hands are true as Hilton tries to recover.
Los Angeles Rams 7-0 Cincinnati Bengals, 6:22, 1st Quarter
Rams 0-0 Bengals, 7:00, 1st Quarter
Four yards on the ground on first down, and then another pass. Stafford again checks down, but Darrell Henderson is well tackled by Chidobe Awuzie.
Third and 3.
Rams 0-0 Bengals, 9:00, 1st Quarter
The Rams’ run is again stuffed on first down, but a huffing and puffing Matthew Stafford trundles for eight yards, scrambling on second down and setting up a manageable third and four.
A first big play for Cooper Kupp! Stafford runs through his reads efficiently and then moves to his checkdown, fizzing a pass out to Kupp in the flat. Kupp skips beyond Jessie Bates and then darts infield for a 20-yard gain.
Turnover on downs! Rams 0-0 Bengals, 11:00, 1st Quarter
Joe Burrow is looking at Jamarr Chase all the way, but Jalen Ramsey has him well covered, and rookie Ernest Jones jumps into the passing lane too. Jones slaps his hands together in frustration, thinking he could maybe have grabbed an interception, but that’s a crucial break-up and the Rams hold firm on fourth down.
Aggression from the Bengals early, but that looked like a single read all the way for Burrow, and the Rams were wise to it. A little stop route from the slot by Chase.
Rams 0-0 Bengals, 11:00, 1st Quarter
Joe Mixon trundles up the middle, but the Rams hold firm, with Ashawn Robinson bending back his man.
Third down, and another inside run - Samaje Perine is in the game, but there’s no joy there. Another excellent play from Robinson, stacking and shedding and snaring Perine in the backfield.
The Bengals are going for it on fourth down nearly midfield...
Joe Burrow goes to work
A first chance for the Bengals with the ball in the hands of Joe Burrow. Zac Taylor was uber-conservative on early downs against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Bengals start in empty for the first offensive snap of the game...
A seven or eight yard game for Tyler Boyd on the short completion. Good start. 2nd and 2.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies