NFL Postseason and Super Bowl 56
March 10, 2022
This season in the NFL has been the craziest year with results that nobody expected at the start. In the conference championships, there is not a single one seed that is playing. Why? Because these teams have successfully shocked the world.
In the AFC Conference Championship, the Cincinnati Bengals played the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals were a severe underdog and nobody really believed that they could beat quarterback Patrick Mahomes and all of his weapons on offense, and also beat out the honey badger in Tyrann Mathieu on defense. Kansas City had full control throughout the first half. At halftime, the score was 21-10 in favor of the Chiefs. Then, quarterback Joe Burrow and his team came back throughout the second half. The Cincinnati defense held the very dangerous offense to only three points the rest of the game. It went into overtime and the Chiefs elected to receive the ball. Three plays into the drive, Mahomes’ pass was intercepted and the Bengals took over on offense. They eventually won the game on a game-winning field goal from their confident rookie kicker, Evan “Shooter” McPherson.
In the NFC Conference Championship, the Los Angeles Rams played the San Francisco 49ers. In this game, the 49ers were technically the underdogs in this game, but not by far. This was a really hard game to bet on because everyone knew this game could go either way. It was a really tight game throughout the whole game with very minimal scoring. With two minutes left in the game, the Rams kicked a field goal to put them up 20-17. This was Jimmy Garroppolo’s, 49ers quarterback, time to shine and be the hero of his city. As time was running out, Jimmy G dropped back and was pressured hard by Aaron Donald. He tried to get rid of the ball to avoid the sack, but sadly it was an interception and the Rams were then Super Bowl bound.
These two teams had worked together and hard all season long in order to get to this point, so this meant everything.
On February 13, 2022, the Bengals and Rams lined up in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. These two teams had worked together and hard all season long in order to get to this point, so this meant everything. The first half of the game was very un-exciting to say the least. Each team only scored one touchdown and the rest were field goals. It was safe to say that this game was a defensive battle. Going into halftime, the score was 13-10 in favor of the Rams.
At halftime was when the real party started. The NFL brought back some “OG” rappers, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Eminem. They all sang original songs and made it arguably the best Super Bowl halftime show. Songs including “Still D.R.E” by Dr. Dre and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. These songs brought back many memories for anyone older than about 20. The Twitter world really seemed to love this show and its performers.
Coming out of halftime, Joe Burrow and the Bengals came out swinging. On the first offensive play for Cincinnati, Burrow heaved the ball downfield to wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins then finished the play and scored on a 75-yard touchdown. The Rams then came onto the field and instantly threw an interception to defensive back Chidobe Awuzie, who is in his fifth year in the league, but only his first year in Cincinnati.
In the fourth quarter, the Rams found a spark. With the score being 20-17 with only a couple minutes left to go in the game, quarterback Matthew Stafford had to make something happen. With a little bit of focus and trust, Stafford and his favorite receiver, Cooper Kupp, were able to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. But, the game was not over. With less than two minutes left, Burrow was determined to become a legend in Cincinnati and lead his team down the field to win the Super Bowl. On 4th down, the Bengals were forced to go for it and as Burrow dropped back to pass, former MVP Aaron Donald put the opposing offensive lineman on skates and got to Burrow. This play eventually ended the game and the Rams were officially taking home the Lombardi Trophy.
Even though you may not see it, there were lots of great things that happened on this Los Angeles team. Rams coach Sean Mcvay became the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl at 36-years-old. Matthew Stafford had finally won a Super Bowl after 13 seasons, and sturdy, durable tackle Andrew Whitworth after 16 seasons. Many more key players on this team had won their first ever ring and it just felt right. Stafford finished the game going 26/40 for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Cooper Kupp finished the game with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns; Kupp turned out to be the Super Bowl MVP after going from small college as an unranked, zero-offer guy, late draft pick and now the Offensive Player of the Year in the regular season and the Super Bowl MVP.
