The American tradition of Super Bowl Sunday continued Feb. 13, as the Los Angeles Rams took down the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp, who earned the “Triple Crown” title of most receptions, yards, and touchdowns amongst receivers in a single season, was named Most Valuable Player. 

The game started with both teams stalling out on their initial drives. Both defenses started with downfield coverage alongside several pass rushes. The Rams’ attempt to establish the run early was stifled by the Bengals’ front seven. However, quarterback Matthew Stafford was able to complete a seventeen-yard pass to recently acquired wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for the game’s first score. The Bengals responded with a field goal to make the score 7-3 at the end of the first quarter. 

At the beginning of the second quarter, Stafford made a throw to Kupp in the corner of the end zone for another touchdown. The Rams special teams missed the extra point attempt. Bengals receiver Tee Higgins got open in the end zone and scored to end a Bengals drive. At the half, the Rams led 13-10. 

On the first play of the third quarter, quarterback Joe Burrow aired a deep pass out to Higgins, who was sprinting side by side downfield with all pro corner Jalen Ramsey. While the ball was in the air, Higgins yanked the face mask of Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who tumbled to the ground. Higgins easily made the open catch and ran the full remaining yards to the end zone for a seventy-five-yard score. The missed call by the refs led to a protest from Rams fans and players alike, but the Bengals quickly got a stop and kicked another field goal to bring the score to 20-13.  

After the Bengals kick, the Rams defense did not allow any more points for the rest of the game. Burrow was sacked several times, allowing Stafford to capitalize on the momentum and acquire field position for a field goal. The Bengals lead was now cut to 20-16, and the Rams had the ball with under two minutes left to piece together a game winning drive.  

The game ended with a touchdown pass that Stafford made to Kupp, who later was crowned MVP. The Rams, who were playing in their home stadium in Los Angeles, celebrated a season filled with free agency signings and trades with the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy.