The NFL postseason always delivers high-stakes drama, but few matchups in recent memory matched the sheer theatricality and tension of Super Bowl LVI. Played on February 13, 2022, at the spectacular SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the final super bowl 2022 score saw the Los Angeles Rams secure a breathtaking 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This historic clash pitted a star-studded, veteran-heavy Rams squad against a fearless, young Bengals team led by quarterback Joe Burrow. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the complete 2022 super bowl score and details, dissect the game-winning drive, and compare this thriller with other recent championship matchups, including the 2020 super bowl score, super bowl 2021 score, and super bowl 2023 score.
Whether you are a die-hard NFL fan looking to settle a trivia debate or an analyst examining the tactical blueprints of championship teams, this article provides the ultimate retrospective on the game that crowned the Rams and solidified Cooper Kupp's legendary postseason run.
Super Bowl LVI Scoreboard: The Complete Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown of 2022
To truly understand how the 2022 super bowl scores unfolded, we must look at the game's ebb and flow. The super bowl 2022 scoreboard tells a story of massive momentum shifts, controversial referee calls, and unmatched defensive grit. Below is the official scoring summary and team statistics that defined this championship clash:
The Final Super Bowl LVI Scoreboard
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams (NFC) | 7 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 23 |
| Cincinnati Bengals (AFC) | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
Key Team Statistics for Super Bowl LVI
| Team Statistics | Los Angeles Rams | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 18 | 15 |
| Total Net Yards | 313 | 305 |
| Rushes-Yards (Avg) | 23-43 (1.9) | 20-79 (4.0) |
| Passing Yards (Net) | 270 | 226 |
| Passes Att-Comp-Int | 41-26-2 | 34-23-0 |
| Sacks Allowed-Yards | 2-13 | 7-43 |
| Punts (Avg) | 6-43.5 | 6-41.5 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Penalties-Yards | 2-10 | 4-31 |
| Time of Possession | 30:47 | 29:13 |
Let's dive into the super bowl 2022 scoring details quarter-by-quarter to see how this defensive masterclass was won:
First Quarter: Defensive Stalemate and Beckham's Opener
The Rams started the game with immense defensive intensity. After stopping the Bengals on their opening drive, Matthew Stafford led the Rams down the field. He capped off a 6-play, 50-yard drive with a majestic 17-yard touchdown pass to Odell Beckham Jr. Beckham made a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone, giving the Rams an early 7-0 lead. The Bengals quickly responded with an impressive deep pass from Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase for 46 yards over Jalen Ramsey. However, the Rams' defense held strong in the red zone, forcing Cincinnati to settle for a 29-yard field goal by rookie kicker Evan McPherson, making the super bowl score 2022 7-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter: Kupp's Touchdown and Beckham's Heartbreaking Injury
The Rams continued their aerial assault early in the second quarter. Matthew Stafford found Cooper Kupp for an 11-yard touchdown pass to cap an 8-play, 75-yard drive. However, a bobbled hold on the extra point left the Rams with a 13-3 lead. Just as Los Angeles seemed to be cruising, disaster struck. Odell Beckham Jr. suffered a non-contact ACL tear while attempting to catch a short pass across the middle. With Beckham sidelined, the Rams' offense lost its vertical threat and struggled heavily to find a rhythm. Seizing the momentum, the Bengals executed a brilliant trick play: running back Joe Mixon took a pitch and threw a perfect 6-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Before halftime, Stafford threw a costly interception to Jessie Bates III in the end zone, keeping the score at 13-10 in favor of the Rams.
Third Quarter: Higgins' Controversy and the Bengals' Surge
The second half began with immediate fireworks. On the very first play from scrimmage, Joe Burrow launched a 75-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Replays clearly showed Higgins grabbing and twisting Jalen Ramsey's facemask, which caused the star cornerback to fall to the turf. No penalty flag was thrown, and the touchdown stood, giving the Bengals a 17-13 lead. On the very next play, Stafford's pass deflected off Ben Skowronek's hands and was intercepted by Chidobe Awuzie, setting up another McPherson field goal to push the Bengals' lead to 20-13. The Rams kept themselves in the game with a 41-yard field goal from Matt Gay, heading into the final quarter trailing 20-16.
Fourth Quarter: The Battle of Attrition and Kupp's Heroics
Both offenses struggled heavily in the fourth quarter as the defensive fronts took complete control. The Rams' defense was relentless, racking up seven sacks on Joe Burrow throughout the game. With under five minutes remaining, Stafford and the Rams took over at their own 21-yard line, setting the stage for a drive that would define their careers.
Anatomy of the Final Drive: How the Los Angeles Rams Clinched Victory
With the 2022 superbowl score frozen at 20-16 against them, the Rams' season rested on a final 15-play, 79-yard march. Facing a critical 4th-and-1 at their own 30-yard line, Sean McVay made a legendary play call, handing the ball to Cooper Kupp on a jet sweep for a 7-yard gain. Stafford then picked apart the Bengals' secondary with short, high-percentage throws.
As the Rams entered the red zone, defensive holding and pass interference penalties on the Bengals' secondary repeatedly gave the Rams fresh sets of downs inside the 5-yard line. Finally, with 1:25 remaining, Stafford threw a beautiful back-shoulder fade to Cooper Kupp for a 1-yard touchdown, restoring the Rams' lead to 23-20.
The Bengals still had a chance, marching to midfield with under a minute left. However, on 4th-and-1, Aaron Donald broke through the line, grabbed Burrow by the jersey, and spun him around. Burrow's desperate pass fell incomplete, sealing the super bowl score 2022 at 23-20 and securing the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the Rams. Cooper Kupp was named Super Bowl MVP, capping off an historic Triple Crown season.
Historical Context: Comparing the 2022 Super Bowl Score with 2020, 2021, and 2023
To truly appreciate the drama of the super bowl scores 2022 edition, it helps to compare it to the surrounding championships. The years between 2020 and 2023 featured some of the most dramatic finishes and tactical masterclasses in modern football history.
The 2020 Super Bowl Score: Patrick Mahomes' First Ring (Super Bowl LIV)
The 2020 super bowl score of 31-20 saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling comeback. Played on February 2, 2020, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the game was a defensive battle for three quarters. The 49ers, led by Jimmy Garoppolo and a ferocious defense, held a comfortable 20-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Facing a daunting 3rd-and-15, Patrick Mahomes executed the famous "Jet Chip Wasp" play, completing a 44-yard pass to Tyreek Hill. This single play ignited a historic 21-point explosion in the final seven minutes, securing Mahomes' first championship and his first Super Bowl MVP. This is why looking up the super bowl 2020 score still brings back incredible memories for Chiefs fans.
The 2021 Super Bowl Score: Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Masterclass (Super Bowl LV)
The super bowl 2021 score of 31-9 remains one of the most dominant defensive performances in championship history. Played on February 7, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first team to win a Super Bowl on their home field. Tom Brady, in his first season with the Buccaneers, threw three touchdowns (two to Rob Gronkowski and one to Antonio Brown). Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles devised a flawless game plan that neutralized Patrick Mahomes, holding the high-powered Chiefs' offense to zero touchdowns. This game cemented Brady's status as the undisputed "Greatest of All Time" with his seventh ring. Both the super bowl score 2021 and the overall playoff run showcased a defensive dominance rarely seen in the modern era.
The 2023 Super Bowl Score: A High-Scoring Offensive Masterpiece (Super Bowl LVII)
The super bowl 2023 score of 38-35 provided a stark contrast to the defensive battles of previous years. Played on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, this game was an absolute offensive clinic between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts played an incredible game, accounting for four total touchdowns and 374 total yards. However, Patrick Mahomes, playing through a severe high-ankle sprain, led a flawless second-half comeback. A controversial late holding call on Eagles cornerback James Bradberry allowed Harrison Butker to kick a game-winning 27-yard field goal with just 8 seconds remaining, securing Mahomes' second championship.
Bonus Scorecard: The 2022 Pro Bowl Score and Key Highlights
Just one week before Super Bowl LVI, the NFL's brightest stars gathered at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 6, 2022, for the annual All-Star showcase. The final 2022 pro bowl score saw the AFC hold off a late NFC comeback to win 41-35, marking the AFC's fifth consecutive Pro Bowl victory.
The game was a highly entertaining, albeit low-intensity, affair featuring seven total interceptions. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert won Offensive MVP honors, throwing for 98 yards and two touchdowns, both to Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. On defense, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby won Defensive MVP in front of his home crowd, recording two sacks, three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections.
Importantly, this game marked a major milestone in NFL history: it was the final traditional, full-contact Pro Bowl. Due to rising player safety concerns and a lack of competitive effort, the NFL officially transitioned to the non-contact "Pro Bowl Games" flag football format starting in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 NFL Postseason
Here are some of the most common questions fans ask about the super bowl 2022 score, statistics, and historical context.
What was the final score of the 2022 Super Bowl?
The final super bowl 2022 score was 23-20, with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the Cincinnati Bengals.
Who won the MVP in the 2022 Super Bowl?
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named Super Bowl LVI MVP. He caught 8 passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, and converted a crucial 4th-and-1 rushing play on the final drive.
What was the 2022 Pro Bowl score?
The AFC defeated the NFC with a final 2022 pro bowl score of 41-35 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
What was the 2020 Super Bowl score?
The 2020 super bowl score (Super Bowl LIV) was 31-20, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers.
What was the 2021 Super Bowl score?
The final super bowl 2021 score (Super Bowl LV) was 31-9, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans searching for the super bowl score 2021 will remember it as Tom Brady's signature defensive-led ring.
What was the 2023 Super Bowl score?
The final super bowl 2023 score (Super Bowl LVII) was 38-35, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Philadelphia Eagles.
How many sacks did the Rams record in Super Bowl LVI?
The Rams' defense recorded seven sacks against Joe Burrow, tying the Super Bowl single-game record. Aaron Donald and Von Miller led the way with two sacks each.
Did Odell Beckham Jr. play the entire 2022 Super Bowl?
No. Odell Beckham Jr. started the game spectacularly, catching two passes for 52 yards and the opening touchdown. However, he suffered a non-contact ACL injury in the second quarter and did not return.
The Lasting Legacy of Super Bowl LVI and the 2022 NFL Season
The super bowl score 2022 of 23-20 left a lasting impact on the NFL landscape. For the Los Angeles Rams, their "all-in" strategy—trading away future first-round draft picks for established superstars like Matthew Stafford, Von Miller, and Jalen Ramsey—was completely vindicated. Sean McVay, at just 36 years old, became the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl, cementing his status as one of the league's premier defensive and offensive minds.
For fans looking back at the super bowl scores 2022 produced, it represents a high-water mark of risk-reward team building. Let's not forget how competitive that entire season was, culminating in a historic clash that will be talked about for decades. For the Cincinnati Bengals, despite the heartbreaking loss, the game proved that their young core was capable of competing at the highest level. Joe Burrow established himself as one of the league's elite quarterbacks, while Zac Taylor's team laid the foundation for perennial AFC contention. Whether you remember it for Aaron Donald's game-winning pressure, Cooper Kupp's offensive dominance, or the controversial Tee Higgins touchdown, Super Bowl LVI will go down as one of the most memorable championship games in modern NFL history.
