A game with many highlights at first turned into a tough struggle for the crown of the North American football league NFL with increasing playing time, so that the Los Angeles Rams finally won 23:20 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Rams submit
Both teams started mixed, the first two attempts to attack ended without a point. However, the Rams quickly found their way. Quarterback Matthew Stafford found Odell Beckham Jr. for 17 yards in the end zone and got the first points on the scoreboard.
Shortly before the end of the first quarter, the Bengals were able to return the first points. Rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who has become a key player during the season, spectacularly caught a 46-yard pass from quarterback Joe Burrow to set up Evan McPherson’s field goal.
Bengals stay tuned
However, Los Angeles was initially unimpressed. After six moves over 75 yards in just 2:37 minutes, the attack that followed ended 13:3 with wide receiver and offensive player of the year Cooper Kupp. Only the “point after touchdown” failed after holder Johnny Hekker was unable to control the ball after the snap.
As the game progressed, however, the Bengals’ self-confidence grew. After a focused and patient attacking series, running back Joe Mixon found Tee Higgins with a pass on a trick play and reduced it to 13:10. Not the only setback the Rams suffered. A short time later, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. injured his knee unchallenged and was unable to return to the field.
Matthew Stafford risked too much before half-time, his pass into the end zone being intercepted by Bengals safety Jessy Bates III. However, Cincinnati could no longer make a profit from this and it went into the half-time break in a balanced and lively game with 13:10.
Halftime show with surprise guest
There, several world stars from the music industry heated up the 100,000 spectators in the SoFi Stadium. About Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige were joined by a surprise guest, 50 Cent. The comparatively simplistic setting drew a lot of attention to the artists’ performance, which was loudly cheered from the stands.
Bengals furious after the break
After only 12 seconds played in the second round, Cincinnati took the lead for the first time. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is considered the best player in the league in his position, was disturbed by wide receiver Tee Higgins, but the referees did not penalize the contact. The defender stumbled, the receiver of the pass saved the football and ran unhindered into the end zone – 13:17.
On the first play of the Rams attacking streak, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie intercepted Matthew Stafford’s pass and secured the ball again, which ended with a field goal.
Los Angeles Offensive signed off
First the interception, then a field goal to make it 16:20 in the meantime and then three drives, in which possession had to be relinquished after just three moves. The Rams’ offensive seemed to have collapsed not least due to the injury to wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. shortly before the half-time break.
The game only remained open because the Cincinnati Bengals also weakened offensively. They were able to move the ball a little better over the field, but without being able to score. Across teams, seven punts in a row made the game tough towards the end.
Late Rams touchdown decides the game
After two penalties against the Bengals’ defense, the Rams established themselves in front of the end zone with several attempts. Cooper Kupp’s first caught pass was taken back by an offensive offside, shortly afterwards he regained control of the ball and Los Angeles took the lead 23:20.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ last gasp was stopped by Aaron Donald.