54 weeks ago, quarterback Matthew Stafford was traded to the Rams in a blockbuster deal.  He left Detroit and came to Los Angeles with his sights set on his first Super Bowl, and this weekend, Stafford would do just that, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.

The two teams had very different roads to the Super Bowl. Los Angeles entered the season as one of the favorites to win the championship, especially after bringing in Stafford.  They had the fourth-best odds of winning it all, and hopes remained high after winning seven of their first eight games.  Wide receiver Cooper Kupp led the offense, having over 90 yards in all but one of these games, an unexpected burst from the former special-teamer.

When the Rams reached the second half of the season, concerns arose.  The team would lose three straight, and Stafford would struggle, throwing five interceptions in these games.  He and the Rams returned to their dominance, though, rattling off five wins in a row before nearly squandering the NFC West in a loss to the Rams in Week 18.

The Bengals’ story is almost the exact opposite of the Rams.  They entered the year with uncertainties across the board, mainly with second-year quarterback Joe Burrow returning from a torn ACL and MCL, and rookie receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had some issues during the preseason.  

“I thought Chase would be a stud before the draft, but his dropping issues during the preseason were a concern, especially after he sat out last season due to COVID-19 issues,” said junior Bryson Shaub.

With many question marks, Cincinnati started the 2021 season with the third-worst odds to win the Super Bowl.  Burrow led the Bengals to a solid five and two start, with a questionable loss to the Bears but a statement blowout win over the Ravens.  Then, the young team lost to the Jets’ backup quarterback Mike White, and were blown out by the Browns, where Burrow would throw three interceptions and no touchdowns.  After splitting their next two games, Cincinnati rattled off three wins, culminating in a comeback win against the Chiefs, as Chase set the team record for most receiving yards in a game with 266 and three touchdowns.  The win would clinch a playoff spot and an AFC North championship, cementing a worst-to-first turnaround.

When the playoffs began, the Bengals drew a tough home matchup against the Raiders, looking to win their first playoff game in 33 years.  The Rams would face off against their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, whom they split their regular season matchups with.  Los Angeles would win comfortably, by a 23-point margin, and would fly to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers.  Cincinnati’s game would not be as easy, as the Raiders were within ten yards of tying the game before an interception sealed the victory.

The Bengals’ offensive line, a problem throughout the season, would struggle against the Titans.  Burrow would be sacked nine times, tying a playoff record.  Despite the onslaught of sacks, rookie kicker Evan McPherson would send Cincinnati to face the Chiefs with a game-winning field goal as time expired.  Los Angeles looked like they would have another easy win, leading 27-3 at one point in the third quarter.  However, they let the Tom Bradyled Bucs to tie the game with under two minutes left.  Stafford would lead a 63-yard drive in 42 seconds, including a 44-yard pass to Cooper Kupp to set up a 30-yard game-winning field goal.  This set the Rams up to face off against the 49ers, who defeated the Rams twice in the regular season.

In the rematch against Kansas City, the Bengals would again need to mount a major comeback, forcing overtime after being down 21-3.  In overtime, McPherson would kick a field goal to send the team to the Super Bowl for a chance to win their first ring.  The Rams also had to come from behind, trailing 17-7 entering the fourth quarter.  After a dropped interception by a 49ers safety and a pick thrown by Jimmy Garoppolo, the Rams would win 20-17 and prepare to play a Super Bowl at their home stadium.

Leading into the game, the Rams would be favored by four and a half points in a highly anticipated game, even after Burrow was named Comeback Player of the Year and Chase won Offensive Rookie of the Year.  The first two drives after kickoff were anticlimactic, with only ten yards total.  Then, Stafford led the Rams on a 50-yard drive to the endzone, culminating in a touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr.  Cincinnati answered with a field goal, but the Rams would score again with a touchdown pass to Kupp.  Then, running back Joe Mixon threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins to draw the Rams to within three at halftime.

This year’s halftime show was headlined by rappers Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem.  Snoop and Dre kicked off the show with one of their duets, and 50 Cent made a surprise appearance, entering upside-down to perform his hit “In Da Club.”  The show was a hit, with many calling it the best halftime performance in history. 

Cincinnati came out of the locker room ready, scoring a 75-yard touchdown on their first play of the half.  They then picked Stafford off and kicked a field goal, putting them up 20-13.  With six minutes left on the clock, trailing by six, Stafford led a five minute drive ending in a Cooper Kupp touchdown to give Los Angeles a three point lead with under 90 seconds to go.  Aaron Donald would pressure Burrow into a bad throw, resulting in a turnover on downs and a Rams Super Bowl victory. 

Kupp’s clutch performance, including over 90 yards and two touchdown receptions, would garner him the Super Bowl MVP award. 

“After having the greatest receiver season of all time, Rams WR Cooper Kupp was off to a somewhat slow start for his standards in the Super Bowl, having a lot of Rams supporters like myself worried. Kupp, however, came through for the Rams as he has all season on the game-winning drive,” said junior Alex Almahmoud.

Kupp’s performance led the Rams to the Super Bowl Stafford desired when he left Detroit for Los Angeles, and the road to a repeat starts now.