Defense wins championships – it’s a statement made every year, and as tireless as the cliché gets, it remains true.
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in SoFi Stadium Feb. 13 to become the Super Bowl champions. The Rams played the game in their home stadium — the second time a Super Bowl team has played in its own territory.
Though defense did not account for everything in the big game, the Rams certainly imposed their will on the Bengals’ fragile O-line.
Bengal quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked seven times, six of which happened in the second half. After taking the lead with a controversial 75-yard touchdown pass (replay showed a missed offensive facemask call) in the first play of the second half, the Rams’ defense clamped down in the third and fourth quarter.
Aaron Donald, possibly the best defensive tackle of all time, fought through multiple Bengals defenders, and generational linebacker Vonn Miller did the same to complement the pass rush. Both players recorded two sacks.
On the game’s final drive, Donald ripped down running back Samaje Perine to keep the Bengals from getting a first down. On a fourth-and-one play, Donald blitzed past the Bengals, forcing Burrow to throw out of a sack. Burrow was unable to find Perine, and the Rams held on to win the game 23-20.
As for the Rams’ offense, the team struggled throughout the night but found a way to get the win. After opening the scoring for the game with a touchdown reception, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. went down with injury and did not return.
With Beckham out of commission, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford lost yet another target after already playing without receiver Robert Woods and tight end Tyler Higbee. Down two of his three starting receivers and his best tight end, the quarterback threw two picks.
The running game struggled for the Rams and only accumulated 43 rushing yards on the night.
Yet, Stafford’s premier target was still available. Cooper Kupp, who produced possibly the best receiving year in wide receiver history, caught two touchdowns on the night.
The final offensive drive for the Rams was critical. Down four points, Stafford forced the ball to Kupp, and he delivered. Finally, Kupp was able to torch Bengals cornerback Eli Apple to give the Rams the lead, and the defense sealed the win.
Los Angeles won its second Super Bowl, and its first since moving to Los Angeles (they won in 1999 in St. Louis) while Cincinnati will have to try again next year to notch its first Super Bowl victory in program history.
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