And just like that, the 2021/22 NFL season is over. After a thrilling Super Bowl, all eyes now turn to the offseason. With such a captivating end of the season, let’s take a look at the big game and other news from around the league.
Rams Win Super Bowl In Come-From-Behind Fashion
Down 20-16 with just minutes remaining, the Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, were able to make one final push to pick up a game-winning touchdown with just 1:29 left on the clock.
This drive capped off a fantastic Super Bowl that featured a Bengals’ team that many did not give a chance to at the beginning of the season and a Rams’ team that had bouts of inconsistency all season long square off on the grandest stage.
In the end, Stafford, who was picked up in a trade last offseason from the Detroit Lions, won his first Super Bowl. In the victory, he threw for 283 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
In the loss, Joe Burrow tried to propel his team to a win, but the young phenom came up just short. He threw for 263 yards and a touchdown.
As four seeds entering into the playoffs, both of these teams proved they belonged at Super Bowl LVI.
Kupp Awarded Super Bowl MVP
While several players had outstanding performances Sunday night, it was Cooper Kupp who stood out amongst everyone. The Rams’ receiver had eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns en route to being awarded the Super Bowl MVP award.
Like most of the season, he was the safety blanket for quarterback Matthew Stafford. During the regular season, Kupp had 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In the postseason, he picked up right where he left off. In fact, he had 33 receptions in the postseason, setting a new NFL record. On Sunday night, he was rewarded for his efforts and for securing the game-winning touchdown for the Super Bowl champion Rams.
Von Miller To Test Free Agent Market
While there seems to be mutual interest at a return to the Rams, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports that Von Miller is at least interested in seeing what free agency has to offer this offseason.
Acquired from the Broncos at the trade deadline, Miller finished the season with 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. At 32-years-old, the veteran outside linebacker is likely looking to cash in on what could be his last big contract.
Beckham Likely To Return To Rams
While Von Miller could be on the way out, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that another midseason pickup, Odell Beckham Jr., could be staying. According to Mortenson, the Rams are expected to bring back the talented wide receiver to Los Angeles.
In just eight games with L.A. this regular season, Beckham had 27 receptions for 305 yards and five touchdowns.
He continued a solid pace in the postseason, and he even caught a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, his night ended shortly after this as he was forced to leave the game with a knee injury.
In 2020, Beckham hurt the same knee as he tore his ACL. While an update is likely to come in the days ahead, obviously, the hope is that he avoids a similarly devastating injury.
Wentz Could Be Done After One Season
When the Indianapolis Colts traded for quarterback Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, they were hoping for the same results that the Rams just got out of Matthew Stafford. Instead, they could be looking for a new quarterback this offseason.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Wentz could be on his way out, via either a trade or outright release, by March 18. This date is especially important because the remaining $7 million of his salary will be guaranteed on this date, as well as a roster bonus.
This season, Wentz threw for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. Still, he was unable to get the Colts into the playoffs as they finished the season poorly, including losing their last two.
