by Ryan Mercier
Before Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford go head-to-head in football’s next championship chapter, let’s take a look into the past.
Super Bowl XIV (14) – The Rams First Appearance
Perhaps one of the most underrated Super Bowls in history. This would be the last of four championships for the Pittsburgh Steelers combo of Chuck Noll, Terry Bradshaw, and the Steel Curtain. While the final score was 31-19, this game was hotly contested throughout.
In fact, the Rams took the lead twice at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Los Angeles was up 19-17 in the 4th quarter until Bradshaw threw a 73-yard TD bomb to John Stallworth. Backup quarterback Vince Ferragamo of the Rams was driving his team down the field with under six minutes left but was intercepted by the great Jack Lambert.
Super Bowl XVI (16) – The Bengals First Appearance
Two years after the Rams saw the end of a Steelers dynasty, the Cincinnati Bengals were on the wrong side of the blossoming of the San Francisco 49ers. In this game, the final score of 26-21 is a deceptive one. It was 20-0 at the half.
While Joe Montana won the MVP, the frigid day in Detroit (outside, as this was played in a dome, of course) was likely defined by a goal line stand by the 49ers. Cincinnati converted a 4th down at the 5-yard line and gained two yards on the next play. Then, the Bengals had three chances at the 1-yard line but failed to punch it in.
Super Bowl XXII (22) – Al Michaels First Super Bowl Call
Yes, Al and Cris Collinsworth (who played in both Bengals Super Bowls) will be with us this Sunday. While the great Al Michaels has called some of the most exciting NFL championships, he started off with a blowout. A blowout which showcased one of the most remarkable scenes in the Big Game’s history. Quarterback Doug Williams led what is simply known as “The Quarter” where Washington went absolutely bananas.
In the 2nd quarter of Super Bowl XXII, Washington put up 35 points and over 300 yards in just over five minutes of possession. Williams threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns in that span. What might be forgotten is John Elway bombed a 56-yard TD on the Denver Broncos first play from scrimmage. Denver was up 10-0, Washington looked hopeless, and Doug Williams got injured. Then, “The Quarter” happened.
Super Bowl XXIII (23) – The Bengals Almost Win It
One season after Doug Williams’ heroics, the Bengals made their second Super Bowl appearance. On the other side? The San Francisco 49ers, again. This time, Cincinnati belonged in a big way.
It was a game of field goals until Stanford Jennings returned a kickoff toward the end of the 3rd quarter for a 93-yard touchdown and gave the Bengals a 13-6 lead. Cincy also grabbed a 16-13 lead before Joe Montana led one of the greatest drives in pro football history starting at his own 8-yard line and ending with glory. The Bengals never returned to the Big Game until they take the field this Sunday.
Super Bowl XXVII (27) – The Last Super Bowl In (or, near) Los Angeles
Pasadena, California, the site of the first Rams appearance, was a stage for the Dallas Cowboys to run rampant on their way to their own dynasty. While the Buffalo Bills took a 7-0 lead at the Rose Bowl, it was all downhill from there. The confident Cowboys steamrolled the Bills to a 52-17 victory. Star QB Jim Kelly was knocked out of the game in the 2nd quarter.
The most staggering stat of all, though, is the Buffalo Bills turned the ball over nine times. NINE. TIMES.
Super Bowl XXXIV – The (St. Louis) Rams Win!
In one of the most unlikely cinderella seasons imaginable, Kurt Warner and The Greatest Show on Turf ended the 1999 season as Super Bowl champions. While the game is remembered for the other team coming up one yard short, this was a championship semi-dominated by the Rams who held a 16-0 lead almost into the 4th quarter.
St. Louis was held to too many field goals which made it a contest later on, but Warner hit Isaac Bruce for what was a 73-yard game-winner.
Super Bowl XXXVI (36) – The Rams Meet Tom Brady
Keeping score here: The Rams fell victim to the end of the Steelers dynasty, the Bengals began the 49ers dynasty, and now the Rams would bookend the story of the New England Patriots and the greatest quarterback of all time.
St. Louis was heavily favored to beat the then unknown Brady and the Patriots. Instead, Warner and the Rams turned the ball over three times, scored just three points through three quarters, and watched the magic (and league-wide terror) begin. Warner did lead a game-tying drive and a 14-point 4th quarter in the clutch. However, with John Madden famously saying on the broadcast he would play for overtime, Brady delivered the first of many all-time clutch drives right after. Adam Vinatieri kicked the field goal through and history began.
Super Bowl LIII (53) – The Young L.A. Rams Also Meet Tom Brady
In the season where people thought the Rams and Kansas City Chiefs broke football forever to the tune of a 54-51 Monday Night Football classic, Super Bowl LIII was the lowest scoring one in history. The Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3.
It was 17 years later to the day when the Rams were outdone by Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots again. Similar to the first time, the Rams high-scoring offense was completely held in check. QB Jared Goff had a shot to tie the game at 10 points apiece with over four minutes left in the 4th quarter but threw an ill-advised pass which was intercepted by Stephon Gilmore.
It didn’t take long for the L.A. Rams to return to the game’s biggest stage. Three seasons later, they will take the Super Bowl field again this Sunday.
Struggling Actor Sports 