The start of the NFL’s new era: Everything you need to know about Super Bowl LVI
The NFL’s new era has arrived, as the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals prepare to square off in Super Bowl LVI.
The Rams, led by the youngest coach to ever take his team to a Super Bowl – 36-year-old Sean McVay – will start favourites against the Bengals, led by second year quarterback Joe Burrow.
Here’s everything you need to know about Super Bowl LVI.
Where will the match be played?
Los Angeles’ new SoFi Stadium will host the match. It’s the second consecutive year a local team has enjoyed the advantage of playing the Super Bowl in their home city. Last year, Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the most of the home advantage against the Kansas City Chiefs.
When is kick off?
Kick off is scheduled for 10:30am AEDT on Monday.
How can I watch?
In Australia, the match will be broadcast on Seven, ESPN and Kayo. Unfortunately, the Australian broadcasts don’t carry the American Super Bowl advertisements – however if you’re an NFL Game Pass subscriber you can enjoy the US broadcast and enjoy watching Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Rodman and William Shatner spruiking a gym. If you can’t get to a TV, Phil “Where’s my buffalo wings and Bud?” Lutton will be blogging the game on The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age websites.
The Super Bowl is all about the half-time show, right?
Some years, the half-time show steals the spotlight. While there are plenty of on-field storylines to cover, the talent listed for this year’s show could make it an instant classic.
Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige will all take part in the show.
This four-minute trailer sparked instant hype for the show.
Where’s Tom Brady?
The 44-year-old – widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time – retired last week.
But, in true Brady style, the seven-time Super Bowl winner refused to rule out a comeback on Wednesday.
“You know, I’m just gonna take things as they come,” Brady said when asked what his response to inevitable comeback questions next season will be.
“I think that’s the best way to put it and I don’t think anything, you know, you never say never. At the same time I know that I’m very, I feel very good about my decision
“I don’t know how I’ll feel six months from now, (if it will) change, it most likely won’t. But I try to make the best possible decision I can in the moment, which I did last week.”
Who are the key players for the Rams?
Los Angeles are, as they say, all in. They have traded every first round pick through 2023, mortgaging their future in an attempt to win now.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford – who arrived via trade from the Detroit Lions before this season – wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr – another recent trade acquisition – are the headline stars.
But their best player is on the other side of the ball. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald was crowned the defensive player of the year in 2017, 2018 and 2020, and it will be his job to come after Burrow in every Bengals snap.
Who are the key players for the Bengals?
Cincinnati’s turnaround since drafting Burrow is remarkable. The year before the former LSU star was drafted, the Bengals lost the first 11 games of their season and finished the year 2-14. The dreadful season gifted Cincinnati with the No. 1 pick, and they took Burrow.
After suffering a catastrophic knee injury in Week 11 of his rookie season, Burrow returned this year and led his team to the top.
Burrow’s knee injury saw the team flounder, allowing the acquisition of his LSU teammate, Ja’Marr Chase.
The pair have ignited the Bengals’ offense, and dragged the team to their first Super Bowl in 34 years.
And keep your eye on rookie kicker Evan “Money Mac” McPherson. Money Mac has only missed two field goals all season and gone 12-for-12 with two game-winners in his first three playoff games.
Alright, enough talk, who’s going to win?
If the betting is any guide, the Rams are just under a 67 per cent chance of winning their first Super Bowl since 1999 – when they were the St. Louis Rams.
They have more weapons on offense and on defence, the presence of Donald will make for constant pressure on Burrow.
Add in home town advantage, and the stars appear to have aligned for McVay and Stafford.
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