SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By Arnie Leshin
There was only one way that the Los Angeles Rams would play the 2022 Super Bowl at its home field in Inglewood on Feb. 13.
You got it, they would finally have to defeat state-rival, National Conference rival San Francisco, for the 6th-seeded 49ers had been a problem with six straight victories over their fourth-seeded downstate rivals.
But after San Fran made the short flight, it turned into another tight tussle at SoFi Stadium, but this time it was Los Angeles coming away with a 20-17 thriller and the NFC champions can now match last year’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers champs who became the first franchise to win the big show on its home field.
But first things first, for the Rams (15-5) will have to stop the recent surge of the AFC-champion Cincinnati Bengals playing in their first Super Bowl in 33 years. Los Angeles has been established as an early 5-point favorite, and having home field advantage at its sparkling-new multi-billion dollar ballpark is always a plus.
And now, the star-studded Rams coached by Sean McVay can go after a ring. And they can thank veteran quarterback, who after spending his entire pro career at the helm of the hapless Detroit Lions, has paved the way here after being dealt to the ‘other’ Los Angeles franchise
Stafford passed for 337 yards and tossed a pair of touchdown throws to his favorite receiver, Cooper Kupp, when being down 17-7 as the fourth quarter began. But after Kupp’s second TD catch and a field goal, it was all even at 17-17. Then LA took the lead on Matt Gay’s 30-yard field goal with 1:46 remaining.
The Rams’ defense then rushed Niners’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo once, twice, and the San Francisco offense was doomed as it concluded with a 12-8 record after stunning the 3rd-seeded Cowboys in Dallas, followed by a similar upset in cold-weather, tundra-turf Green Bay.
But the law of averages no doubt favored the home team.
“I’ve got real trust and confidence in our defense,” Stafford said, “and once our offence connected, we were thinking over the 49ers this time, and they were no doubt a tough team to beat.”
With 1:09 to play, Garoppolo was intercepted by Travin Howard in a game-sealing play.
“You can’t write the story any better,” said McVay. “I’m at a loss for words. Kyle (Stranahan) the San Francisco coach, did an outstanding job with his team, and I am very proud of how we responded. Now we have one more at our home stadium, and let’s get it done.”
Kupp, as good as any receiver in the league, made 11 catches for 142 yards in his latest spectacular performance. Then there was Odell Beckham Jr., getting to his first Super Bowl by reeling in nine passes for 113 yards.
