On February 13, 2022, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, became the epic center of the sporting world as the Los Angeles Rams battled the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. For fans, analysts, and sports historians, the final quarter score super bowl 2022 tells the story of an instant classic. The game was a physical, tactical chess match that culminated in a dramatic 23-20 victory for the Los Angeles Rams.

If you are looking for the official 2022 super bowl score by quarter, the game progressed with fascinating momentum shifts:

This comprehensive guide breaks down the 2022 super bowl scores by quarter, analyzing the pivotal scoring plays, crucial defensive stands, tactical adjustments, and the dramatic concluding drive that sealed the Lombardi Trophy for Sean McVay's Rams.

The Road to SoFi Stadium: An Epic Championship Clash

To understand the quarter scores for super bowl 2022, one must first understand the high stakes of this unique matchup. The game featured two franchises on entirely different trajectories.

The Los Angeles Rams had spent the previous four years aggressively trading away future draft capital to build an immediate champion. Under head coach Sean McVay, they acquired veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions, added future Hall of Fame linebacker Von Miller mid-season, and signed star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after his release from the Cleveland Browns. Playing in their brand-new, $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium, the Rams carried massive pressure to win it all on their home turf—a feat only accomplished once before in NFL history by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the previous year.

On the other side stood the Cincinnati Bengals, the ultimate Cinderella story. Just two years prior, the Bengals held the worst record in the NFL. Led by second-year quarterback Joe Burrow and his former LSU teammate, rookie wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals electrified the AFC. Under head coach Zac Taylor, they won their first playoff game in 31 years and pulled off back-to-back road upsets against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans and the Kansas City Chiefs. Entering Super Bowl LVI as 3.5-point underdogs, the Bengals aimed to secure the first Super Bowl title in franchise history.

First Quarter Analysis: Rams Strike First

If you are looking at the first quarter score super bowl 2022, the opening 15 minutes set a physical, defensive tone. After winning the coin toss, the Bengals elected to defer, giving Matthew Stafford and the Rams' high-powered offense the first opportunity of the game.

Both defenses showed up early. On the Rams' opening possession, Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson sacked Matthew Stafford for a 7-yard loss, forcing a quick punt. The Bengals' initial drive also stalled quickly after head coach Zac Taylor elected to go for it on a fourth-and-1 near midfield. The Rams' defense, anchored by superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald, stopped running back Joe Mixon short of the line to gain, resulting in a turnover on downs.

With excellent field position, the Rams capitalised. Stafford orchestrated an efficient drive, highlighted by a 20-yard completion to Cooper Kupp. Facing a third-and-3 from the Bengals' 17-yard line, Stafford unleashed a beautiful, high-pointing pass to Odell Beckham Jr. in the right corner of the end zone. Beckham leaped over Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton to secure the 17-yard touchdown. Matt Gay added the extra point, putting the Rams ahead 7-0 with 6:22 remaining.

Cincinnati responded on their next drive. Joe Burrow showcased his calm demeanor under pressure, connecting with Ja'Marr Chase for a spectacular 46-yard completion down the right sideline over Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. However, the Rams' red-zone defense tightened, forcing the Bengals to settle for a 29-yard field goal from rookie kicker Evan McPherson with 28 seconds left in the period.

The official 1st quarter score super bowl 2022 ended with the Los Angeles Rams leading 7-3. This initial frame demonstrated that while the Rams had the explosive offensive weapons, the Bengals' defense was highly resilient, and Burrow was more than capable of exploiting matchups deep.

Second Quarter Analysis: A Bittersweet Halftime Lead

The second quarter brought a flurry of scoring, historic plays, and a devastating injury that altered the trajectory of the game. The action in this frame contributed to a tense halftime score super bowl 2022 that had fans on the edge of their seats.

To start the second quarter, Stafford continued to find a rhythm. A 35-yard deep ball to Odell Beckham Jr. put the Rams deep in Cincinnati territory. Moments later, Stafford used play-action to perfection, finding Cooper Kupp completely uncovered in the back corner of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown pass at the 12:51 mark.

However, disaster struck on the ensuing extra-point attempt. A bad snap from center caused holder Johnny Hekker to abort the kick. Hekker attempted a desperation pass into the end zone, which fell incomplete. This critical mistake kept the score at 13-3 in favor of the Rams. This missed point would prove highly consequential for live betting lines and the final margin.

Determined to stay within striking distance, the Bengals unleashed a brilliant trick play on their next possession. Facing a second-and-goal from the Rams' 6-yard line, Joe Burrow handed the ball to running back Joe Mixon. Instead of running, Mixon pulled up and threw a perfect, soft touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in the back of the end zone. With McPherson's successful extra point, the Bengals cut the Rams' lead to 13-10 with 5:47 remaining.

With 3:50 left in the second quarter, the Rams suffered a devastating blow. While attempting to catch a short pass across the middle, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a non-contact knee injury. Beckham immediately clutched his left knee and had to be helped off the field. It was later confirmed he had torn his ACL. Before the injury, Beckham was the most dominant receiver on the field, with two receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Without Beckham, the Rams' offense sputtered. The Bengals' defense focused all their attention on stopping Cooper Kupp. Late in the quarter, Stafford attempted a deep pass down the sideline, which was intercepted in the end zone by Bengals safety Jessie Bates III.

Despite the late turnover, the Rams' defense held firm, ensuring the score at halftime super bowl 2022 remained 13-10 in favor of Los Angeles.

At halftime, fans were treated to one of the most celebrated halftime shows in NFL history. Headlined by hip-hop royalty Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, with surprise appearances by 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak, the performance turned SoFi Stadium into a massive celebration of West Coast hip-hop culture. Yet beneath the entertainment, the football reality was clear: the Rams were clinging to a three-point lead and had lost their secondary offensive engine in Beckham.

Third Quarter Twist: The Bengals Surge

If the first half belonged to the tactical schemes of the Rams, the third quarter began with an absolute lightning strike by the Bengals. Those tracking the 3rd quarter score super bowl 2022 witnessed one of the most explosive and controversial starts to a half in Super Bowl history.

On the very first play from scrimmage in the second half—just 12 seconds in—Joe Burrow launched a deep 75-yard pass to Tee Higgins. Higgins caught the ball and raced into the end zone for a touchdown. However, replay angles immediately sparked massive controversy. Before catching the ball, Higgins had clearly grabbed Jalen Ramsey's facemask and twisted it, throwing the star cornerback to the ground. Despite the blatant offensive pass interference, no penalty flags were thrown. The touchdown stood, and McPherson's extra point gave the Bengals their first lead of the game at 17-13.

The shock of the touchdown immediately translated into another Rams disaster. On the first play of the Rams' ensuing drive, Matthew Stafford threw a pass intended for Ben Skowronek. The ball slipped through the receiver's hands and was intercepted by Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who returned it to the Rams' 31-yard line.

With all the momentum in their favor, the Bengals had an opportunity to break the game open. However, the Rams' defense rose to the occasion. On a crucial third down, Aaron Donald sacked Joe Burrow, forcing the Bengals to settle for a 38-yard field goal by McPherson. This pushed the Bengals' lead to 20-13 with 10:15 remaining in the quarter.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offense responded with a long, grueling 10-play drive. Despite missing Beckham, Stafford found tight end Brycen Hopkins and Cooper Kupp for crucial gains. The drive stalled in the red zone, leading to a 41-yard field goal by Matt Gay at the 5:58 mark, cutting the deficit to 20-16.

The rest of the third quarter turned into a defensive slugfest. Both offensive lines struggled to protect their quarterbacks, with Aaron Donald and Von Miller relentlessly pressuring Burrow.

The 3rd quarter super bowl score 2022 closed with the Bengals leading 20-16. Cincinnati had outscored the Rams 10-3 in the frame, setting up a thrilling, high-stakes final 15 minutes.

Fourth Quarter Analysis: Hollywood Ending for the Rams

As the game entered the fourth quarter, the pressure reached a boiling point. The Bengals held a narrow four-point lead, and the Rams' offense was completely stagnant. For nearly the entire quarter, both defenses dominated. Sacks piled up, and punters Johnny Hekker and Kevin Huber became the most active players on the field.

The turning point of the game began with 6:13 remaining on the clock. Trailing 20-16, the Rams took possession of the ball at their own 21-yard line. With their running game completely neutralized, Matthew Stafford knew he had to win the game through the air, and everyone in SoFi Stadium knew the ball was going to Cooper Kupp.

Facing a critical fourth-and-1 at their own 30-yard line, Sean McVay took a massive gamble. Instead of punting, he called a jet sweep to Cooper Kupp. Kupp took the handoff and picked up 7 yards, keeping the Rams' championship hopes alive.

From there, Stafford and Kupp put on an absolute masterclass in clutch football. Stafford completed consecutive passes to Kupp to move the chains. As they approached the red zone, the Bengals' defense became physical, trying desperately to prevent Kupp from getting open.

With under two minutes remaining and the Rams facing a third-and-goal from the Bengals' 8-yard line, Stafford threw an incomplete pass to Kupp, but Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson was flagged for a controversial defensive holding penalty, giving the Rams a fresh set of downs.

Two plays later, another penalty on Bengals cornerback Eli Apple for pass interference in the end zone placed the ball at the 1-yard line. Finally, with 1:25 remaining, Matthew Stafford snapped the ball, looked right, and threw a quick, back-shoulder pass to Cooper Kupp. Kupp easily beat Eli Apple in single coverage, securing the go-ahead touchdown. Matt Gay's extra point was successful, giving the Rams a 23-20 lead.

The Bengals still had 1:25 and one timeout to attempt a game-tying field goal drive. Joe Burrow quickly completed a 17-yard pass to Ja'Marr Chase and a 9-yard pass to Tyler Boyd to reach midfield. Facing a third-and-1 at the Rams' 49-yard line, the Bengals' offensive line collapsed. Aaron Donald stuffed running back Samaje Perine for no gain.

On fourth-and-1, with 43 seconds left, Burrow dropped back to pass. Donald instantly penetrated the line, grabbed Burrow by the torso, and spun him around. As he was falling, Burrow desperately attempted a shovel pass to Perine, but the ball fell incomplete.

The Rams took over on downs, Stafford took a knee, and the Los Angeles Rams officially secured a 23-20 victory to win Super Bowl LVI.

Final Super Bowl LVI Team and Player Statistics

When examining the overall score by quarter super bowl 2022 statistics, the box score reveals just how closely contested this championship matchup truly was.

Team Comparison

• Total Net Yards: Rams 313, Bengals 305
• Passing Yards: Rams 270, Bengals 226
• Rushing Yards: Rams 43, Bengals 79
• Turnovers: Rams 2 (both interceptions), Bengals 0
• Sacks Allowed: Rams 2, Bengals 7 (tying a Super Bowl record)
• Time of Possession: Rams 30:47, Bengals 29:13

Los Angeles Rams Key Performers

• Matthew Stafford (QB): 26/40 passing, 283 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions.
• Cooper Kupp (WR): 8 receptions, 92 yards, 2 touchdowns (Named Super Bowl LVI MVP).
• Odell Beckham Jr. (WR): 2 receptions, 52 yards, 1 touchdown (injured in the 2nd quarter).
• Brycen Hopkins (TE): 4 receptions, 47 yards.
• Aaron Donald (DT): 4 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, 2 tackles for loss.
• Von Miller (LB): 2.0 sacks, 3 quarterback hits.

Cincinnati Bengals Key Performers

• Joe Burrow (QB): 22/33 passing, 263 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions (sacked 7 times).
• Tee Higgins (WR): 4 receptions, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns.
• Ja'Marr Chase (WR): 5 receptions, 89 yards.
• Joe Mixon (RB): 15 carries, 72 rushing yards; 1/1 passing, 6 yards, 1 touchdown.
• Logan Wilson (LB): 9 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss.

Super Bowl LVI FAQ: Your Questions Answered

To provide a complete resource on the quarterly scores super bowl 2022 and historical context, here are answers to the most common questions surrounding Super Bowl LVI.

What was the final quarter score Super Bowl 2022 breakdown?

The final quarter scores super bowl 2022 breakdown is as follows:

• First Quarter: Rams 7, Bengals 3
• Second Quarter: Rams 6, Bengals 7 (Halftime: Rams 13, Bengals 10)
• Third Quarter: Rams 3, Bengals 10 (End of 3rd: Bengals 20, Rams 16)
• Fourth Quarter: Rams 7, Bengals 0 (Final Score: Rams 23, Bengals 20)

What was the score at halftime Super Bowl 2022?

The halftime score super bowl 2022 was Los Angeles Rams 13, Cincinnati Bengals 10. The Rams had scored two touchdowns through Odell Beckham Jr. and Cooper Kupp, but missed an extra point. The Bengals scored on a trick play touchdown throw from running back Joe Mixon to Tee Higgins, keeping the game incredibly tight going into the locker rooms.

Why did the Rams miss an extra point in the second quarter?

The Rams failed to convert their extra point after Cooper Kupp's second-quarter touchdown due to a botched snap. Punter and holder Johnny Hekker was forced to pick up the loose ball and attempt a desperation pass, which fell incomplete, leaving the score at 13-3 instead of 14-3.

Who won the MVP of Super Bowl LVI?

Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named the Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player. Kupp caught 8 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 1-yard touchdown with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter. He also made a crucial 7-yard run on a fourth-and-1 jet sweep to keep the winning drive alive.

What was the most controversial play of Super Bowl 2022?

The most controversial play occurred at the start of the third quarter when Joe Burrow completed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Replays showed that Higgins clearly grabbed and twisted Jalen Ramsey's facemask, which is a 15-yard penalty and should have nullified the play. The referees missed the call, allowing the touchdown to stand and giving the Bengals their first lead of the game.

How many times was Joe Burrow sacked during the game?

Joe Burrow was sacked a record-tying 7 times during Super Bowl LVI. The Rams' defense, led by Aaron Donald and Von Miller, dominated the line of scrimmage in the second half, neutralizing the Bengals' passing attack despite Burrow's best efforts.

Conclusion: A Championship Built on Star Power

The quarter score super bowl 2022 history books will always remember Super Bowl LVI as a game defined by iconic, high-stakes moments. The Rams' aggressive strategy of assembling legendary superstars paid off in spectacular fashion at SoFi Stadium. When the team faced adversity—including a stagnant running game, a devastating injury to Odell Beckham Jr., and a controversial touchdown that put them behind—their biggest stars rose to the occasion.

Matthew Stafford proved his championship pedigree, Cooper Kupp capped off one of the greatest individual receiving seasons in NFL history with a legendary game-winning drive, and Aaron Donald cemented his status as one of the greatest defensive players of all time with his game-sealing pressure on fourth down.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the narrow loss marked the end of an incredible, unexpected Cinderella run, but it also proved they belonged on the game's biggest stage. Ultimately, Super Bowl LVI delivered everything football fans could want: dramatic lead changes, historical controversies, defensive masterclasses, and a thrilling Hollywood finish that brought a Super Bowl championship back to Los Angeles.