NFL / Sports

Matthew Stafford leads Rams in late drive to overcome Bengals, 23-20

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20, in Super Bowl LVI on their home turf at SoFi Stadium, proving that their “Super Bowl or bust” attitude can be successful. Since acquiring Matthew Stafford in the offseason, the Rams have prioritized winning now over future draft picks and acquisitions. Today, the risk paid off as the Rams won their first Super Bowl since 1999 and their second in franchise history.

The Rams were trailing, 20-13, in the third quarter. But the defense stepped up, recording a record-tying seven sacks in the second half alone to stifle Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense. Stafford got the ball back with just over six minutes left to play in the game and led the Rams all the way down the field in a 15-play drive before connecting with Cooper Kupp for a 1-yard touchdown. The Bengals got the ball back with 1:25 left in the game, but the Rams defense managed one more stop to secure the victory.

This was the Bengals’ first Super Bowl appearance since the 1988 season. They are now 0-3 in Super Bowl appearances.

The Rams are the second team in as many seasons to win a Lombardi Trophy on their home turf. For Stafford, a 13-year veteran, the Super Bowl victory comes in his first season with the Rams and is the first of his career. Sean McVay becomes the youngest coach in history to win a Super Bowl.

Rams vs. Bengals final score, results, highlights

Final score: Los Angeles Rams 23, Cincinnati Bengals 20

4th quarter, 1:25 (LAR): Cooper Kupp Pass From Matthew Stafford for 1 Yard, M.Gay extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Orzech, Holder-J.Hekker.

3rd quarter, 6:02 (LAR): Matt Gay Made 41 Yrd Field Goal

3rd quarter, 10:15 (CIN): Evan McPherson Made 38 Yrd Field Goal

3rd quarter, 14:48 (CIN): Tee Higgins Pass From Joe Burrow for 75 Yrds, E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-C.Harris, Holder-K.Huber.

2nd quarter, 5:47 (CIN): Tee Higgins Pass From Joe Mixon for 6 Yrds, E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-C.Harris, …

NFL / Sports

Rams win epic game vs. Buccaneers, 30-27: Everything we know from Sunday’s wild shootout

For the first 40 minutes of the game, it looked like the Los Angeles Rams were going to cruise to an easy win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They led 27-3 in the third quarter, completely dominating on both sides of the ball.

Then the mistakes piled up. Cooper Kupp fumbled the ball, a snap sailed past Matthew Stafford and was recovered by the Buccaneers, and Matt Gay left a 47-yard field goal short with a chance to give the Rams a 17-point lead.

But that’s not all. Jalen Ramsey gave up a 55-yard touchdown to Mike Evans to make it a one-score game, then on the next drive, Cam Akers fumbled it for the second time and the ball was recovered by Tampa Bay. All of those miscues kept the Buccaneers in the game after it seemed like they had no chance whatsoever to come back.

The Buccaneers tied it with 42 seconds left but Stafford and Kupp saved the day with a clutch 44-yard completion deep down the field to set up Gay’s 30-yard game-winning field goal.

Here’s a recap of the wild ride that was Rams-Bucs on Sunday.

Final score: Rams 30, Buccaneers 27…