For the first time since 1989 and only the third time in franchise history, the Cincinnati Bengals are going to the Super Bowl!
On the heels of a thrilling 27-24 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the Bungles-no-more will face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.
Cincinnati rookie kicker Evan McPherson’s 31-yard field goal was the difference, as the Bengals completed their incredible rally. The kick was set up by a Vonn Bell interception off of a deflected Patrick Mahomes pass.
“I think if you would have told me coming into the league when I got drafted that we’d be here this year, obviously it would be a shock,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said after the game. “But like I said earlier, no, I’m not surprised.”
Burrow becomes the first No. 1 overall draft pick to lead a team to the Super Bowl in his second year. He finished 23-of-38 for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He added some pivotal first-down scrambles in a second-half performance for the ages.
Kansas City won the coin toss—which didn’t work out in its favor this year—but the Mahomes interception had Cincy needing just a field goal to win. The team drove down the field and eventually McPherson’s kick, his fourth of the game, 5:24 into overtime proved to be the difference-maker.
The Bengals were down 21-3 at halftime, and the comeback is tied for the largest ever in a title game during the Super Bowl era (2006 Indianapolis Colts also rallied from 18 down against New England).
Cincinnati was a seven-point underdog against the Chiefs, who were making their fourth straight appearance in the AFC title game.
“When our back’s against the wall, that’s when we fight the best,” Bell said. “Guys bowed up. Made big-time stops, big-time plays. [We] have a resilient group and we really showed that.”
Also, the Bengals rallied from 14 points down in Week 17 against KC to win 34-31 and clinch the AFC North title and their first playoff berth since 2015.
Cornerback Eli Apple’s open-field tackle on Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill on the one-yard-line on the final play of the first half seemed to ignite the visitors.
Elias Sports Bureau research shows the Bengals are the third team to go from worst to first in a three-season span.
