Black Quarterback — 2021 — Conference Championships 2022 Review
By Brandon Simmons
Bengals Pull off Comeback to Upset Chiefs
The Cincinnati Bengals are heading to the Super Bowl thanks to their epic comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals were down 21–10 going into halftime but made a huge defensive stop before the half. When the 3rd quarter came around it was a totally different ballgame. It started with an interception by Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill, which set up a touchdown catch by wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase; with the 2 point conversion, it tied the game at 21. In the 4th quarter, Cincy put together a drive to kick a field goal, which was soon matched by the Chiefs to put the game in overtime. In overtime, the Chiefs got the ball first; however, Bengals safety Jesse Bates tipped a pass to safety Vonn Bell. This set up the drive for the Bengals to kick the game winning field goal.
There were quite a few ways that led to the Bengals winning this game. First, the Kansas City Chiefs offense failed to get anything going in the 2nd half. They were up 21–10 going into halftime and failed to keep their first half momentum going. It probably started with the failed play at the end of the first half on 2nd and goal, which could have extended the lead to 28–10 had it been executed properly, or 24–10 at the very least. But in the 2nd half, they opted to run the football and not get into the rhythm of their normal aerial attack, which is probably why Mahomes threw the pick in the first place. Second, the Bengals defense put the pressure on Mahomes all game. This unit finished with 4 sacks, including 2 by defensive end Sam Hubbard. But most importantly, the team played above their expectations. The offense capitalized on the opportunities handed to them such as when they got the pick and drove the ball down the field for a touchdown and 2 point conversion. Bates also made went for a risky play in which his tipped pass deflection caused the turnover to get Cincy to make the drive for the game winning field goal. The Bengals came in this game as a young underdog, but that didn’t prevent them from knocking off the reigning top dog of the AFC and heading to the Super Bowl.
The Rams Beat the Niners When it Matters
The Los Angeles Rams will be going home for the Super Bowl — but in a good way. The Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers 20–17 after overcoming a 10 point deficit in the 4ht quarter. It was a tough game as expected but the Rams pulled it out behind their star players. Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckhm, Jr. both became factors for this L.A. offense posting 142 and 113 yards, respectively. However, the 49ers enjoyed its own star power as wide receiver Deebo Samuel had 98 scrimmage yards, which included the 72 of those being receiving yards. Niners tight end George Kittle was sort of quiet but scored the touchdown in the 3rd quarter that put the team up 17–7 towards the end of the 3rd quarter.
The Rams took their momentum into the 4th quarter and let it carry them all the way to the win. They opened the quarter in Niners territory and finished that drive with a TD pass to Kupp. Their next offensive possession gave them 2 breaks. The first break came from San Francisco defensive back Jaquiski Tartt dropping an interception; on the next play safety Jimmie Ward got an unnecessary roughness call after a hit on Beckham, which put the Rams into Niners territory and finishing the drive with a game tying field goal. San Fran fails to get something going on the ensuing possession and the Rams get the ball back put together the game winning field goal drive. San Francisco fought hard early on in this game, but Los Angeles made more plays, especially when it mattered. The Rams have too much firepower for just to let them hang around for that amount of time. If Tartt makes that interception then the conversation might be different, because the Niners are definitely built to secure leads with their running identity, but playing from behind — or in this case playing out of a tie — is not their strong suit. They did it before against the Rams but the playoffs bring about a different intensity and pressure. The Rams embraced both of those components and are now playing the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
