Verified Result: Rams 23, Bengals 20
On February 13, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 to win Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This victory gave the Rams their second league championship and first since 1999. The game remained competitive throughout, with the Rams securing the lead in the fourth quarter and holding off late Bengals drives. Below is a verified breakdown of how the Rams won, key moments, and enduring takeaways from this Super Bowl.
Matchup Overview and Season Context
The 2021 season set the stage for a high-stakes NFC vs AFC clash. The Rams entered as the No. 3 seed in the NFC with a 12–5 record, having won the NFC West. They advanced by defeating the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. The Bengals entered as the No. 3 seed in the AFC with a 10–7 record, following wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams featured strong defenses and opposing head coaches with prior Super Bowl experience: Chargers/Bills era figures on opposite benches.
Coaching and Key Personnel
- Los Angeles Rams: Head coach Sean McVay, in his fourth Super Bowl appearance and second title game as a head coach.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Head coach Zac Taylor, in his first Super Bowl as a head coach.
- Key Rams playmakers: Matthew Stafford (QB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Aaron Donald (DT), Jalen Ramsey (CB).
- Key Bengals playmakers: Joe Burrow (QB), Ja’Marr Chase (WR), T.J. Watt (LB), Trey Hendrickson (DE).
Scoring Summary and Turning Points
The Rams overcame deficits and sealed the win with timely scores in the third and fourth quarters. A pivotal sequence began with a Trevor Jackson interception returned for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 17–14 lead early in the third. The Rams responded with a touchdown drive, then later reclaimed the lead on a Cooper Kupp touchdown catch. In the fourth quarter, Matt Gay’s 38-yard field goal extended the margin to 23–20, and the defense held firm on subsequent drives.
| Period | Team | Score After Period | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bengals | 10–0 | Two touchdown drives, Sam Hubbard safety |
| 2 | Rams | 10–10 | Matthew Stafford touchdown, Jared Goff safety |
| 3 | Bengals | 17–17 | Trey Hendrickson TD, Cooper Kupp TD |
| 4 | Rams | 23–17 | Matt Gay 38-yard FG, defensive stops |
Defensive Standouts and Game Management
The Rams’ defense, anchored by Aaron Donald and supported by a stout front seven, repeatedly disrupted Bengals offensive rhythm. Key pressures on Joe Burrow and well-timed coverages on Ja’Marr Chase limited explosive plays. Special teams also contributed, with Matt Gay’s kicking providing crucial points. Turnovers—including the pivotal third-quarter interception—shifted momentum, and the Rams’ ability to capitalize on limited scoring opportunities proved decisive.
Final Score and Lasting Takeaways
The Rams’ victory was defined by situational execution and resilience after falling behind early. Matthew Stafford earned Super Bowl MVP honors after completing crucial passes under pressure. This win solidified the Rams’ identity as a competitive franchise in a tough NFC and provided a blueprint for building around veteran quarterback play and elite edge rushers. For fans and analysts, Super Bowl LVI remains a benchmark for strategic in-game adjustments and clutch performances in high-leverage moments.
Quick Comparison: Rams vs Bengals in Super Bowl LVI
- Final Score: Rams 23, Bengals 20
- Date: February 13, 2022
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- MVP: Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams)
- Key Factor: Fourth-quarter defense and special teams execution
Evergreen Context and Legacy
As an evergreen example of mid-tier playoff success, this championship illustrates how roster construction, coaching adjustments, and clutch execution can overcome an early deficit. The Rams’ path highlights the value of a dominant interior pass rusher, reliable wide receiver, and dependable kicker in close postseason games. The strategies and lessons from this game remain relevant for evaluating team-building and in-game decision-making in modern NFL competition.