Rams 23-20 Bengals: five keys to Los Angeles' Super Bowl LVI win

The Rams lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time in their history on Sunday, defeating the Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Despite the tight scoreline, Los Angeles were the better team for large chunks of the game, and were deservedly rewarded with the 2021 NFL title.

The keys to the Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory over the Bengals:

Bengals failed to make most of interceptions

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bengals were unable to capitalise on those two turnovers, however, translating them into just the three points.

Ja’Marr Chase was off his game

Bengals wide receiver Chase has enjoyed a historic season in his first year as a professional, but Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey limited him to just five catches and 89 receiving yards in Sunday’s Super Bowl. Cincinnati’s best WR on the night was Tee Higgins, who registered four catches, 100 yards and two TDs.

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Tight defensive display from the Rams

Although the Rams’ defence gave up 10 points to the Bengals in the second half, they did much to keep quarterback Joe Burrow in check. Of the seven sacks Burrow suffered, six were in the final 30 minutes, as the Rams’ backline registered four consecutive passes defended and allowed just 142 yards in the third and fourth quarters.

A glut of penalties against the Bengals

On the Rams’ last drive, the Bengals committed three of the four penalties called against them in the game. The problem for Cincinnati was that they were all in the red zone, allowing Los Angeles to have seven offensive plays in the final 10 yards, leading to the decisive touchdown.

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Cooper Kupp did the business

In total, Super Bowl MVP Kupp finished up with 92 yards and two touchdowns. Half of his offensive production came on the final drive of the game, which saw the wide receiver register 46 yards and a touchdown.