Super Bowl 56 Preview!
Cincinatti Bengals-
With possibly the coolest Quarterback in the NFL in Joe Burrow, the Bengals find themselves in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989. Their story over the last 3 years is nothing but a fairy-tale, in 2019 they finished with a 2-14 record, the worst in the NFL thus resulting in the first pick of the 2020 draft. With that pick, they selected Joe Burrow from LSU, after possibly the greatest college season anyone has ever had, he started his rookie season strong, and showed signs of excellence, however in Week 11 of the season against the Washington Football Team he tore his ACL and missed the rest of the season. At just 24 years old, people believed he may not return the same and become frantic and worried about reinjuring himself. They didn't know who Joe Burrow really was.
He came out this season picking up just from where he started and took the Bengals to the 4th seed in the AFC. Whilst many doubters believed they would struggle in the playoffs; they defeated the Raiders in a close game. They then faced number one seed Tennessee Titans, and shocked a lot of people as rookie kicker Even McPherson converted 4 out of 4 field goals, including a last second game winner to seal a place in the AFC Championship game. With just one game away from the Super Bowl, the powerhouse of the Kansas City Chiefs was all that stood in their way. Starting the game slow, they found themselves 11 points behind at half and many believed down and out. However, up stepped Joe 'Shiesty' Burrow to carry his side through, with immense help from the defence to hold the legend of Patrick Mahomes and co to just 3 points all half and send the game to overtime. Chiefs started with the ball, and a Bengals interception set up McPherson once again to be the hero, which he did and sent the team to the Super Bowl.
The question now for the Bengals will be can they keep their cool, play their game and bring home the first Lombardi Trophy too Cincinnati in the teams history.
Los Angeles Rams-
The LA Rams story to the Super Bowl has been completely different to their opponents. The Rams have built the team they have to win now. They boast top talent all over the field, with the likes of Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp and of course, the best defender in the league, back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. During the season, they have managed to sign some quality talent, which has helped their playoff run massively. Odell Beckham JR was signed after his fallout with the Cleveland Bengals on a minimal contract and has produced just how the Rams would have hoped. They also picked up former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller and formerly retired Eric Weddle.
The side traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions in the offseason, and despite his lack of playoff experience, he has been the perfect signing, clicking with his receivers on offence and becoming one of the most efficient offences in the NFL.
The best connection he has had is with Cooper Kupp. In the regular season, Kupp managed the second most receiving yards in NFL history, with just under 2000 yards, and 16 touchdowns to go with it. He has also managed 13 100 yard+ games, a stat that was unheard-of before this season.
The playoff run for the Rams has been tough, after battering the Cardinals in the wildcard round, they came up against the GOAT, Tom Brady. After jumping to a 27-3 lead in the 3rd quarter, they allowed them back into the game and tying it up in the final minute of the final quarter. However, Stafford was able to find his main receiver Cooper Kupp twice to drive down the field and kick a winning field goal. In the NFC Championship game, the 49ers tested them, but the defence stepped up when it mattered and picked off Jimmy G in the closing minutes to seal a trip the Super Bowl.
The Rams will be hoping to make amends of the last time they were in the Super Bowl, only putting up 3 points in 2018 against the Patriots and thus losing 10-3. The star power they have now seems much more, and with the fact it is played at the Rams' stadium, they will be hoping they can win their second ever Super Bowl.
Star Man/One to Watch - Jamar Chase
Coming out of LSU this season, rookie Jamar Chase was picked 5th overall in the 2021 draft, many believed it to be a huge mistake not picking offensive tackle Penei Sewell, Chase has silenced his critics by producing the greatest rookie season from a receiver ever. From teammates at LSU and now at the Bengals, the connection between Chase and Burrow has being nothing short of incredible. With 1455 yards and 13 touchdowns to his name this season, Chase has been a major part of why this team is playing in the Super Bowl tonight. He has managed two 100-yard games in the playoffs and a clutch touchdown against the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, and if he can keep the form going against one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Jalen Ramsey, the Bengals have got every chance of bringing home the Lombardi Trophy.
