Superbowl: A duel of generations

“Now or never” is the Rams’ motto. The Californians, to whom the South Tyrolean Maximilian Pircher is under contract, had already given up valuable rights in future drafts a year ago in order to free quarterback Matthew Stafford from Detroit. During the season, they repeated the tactic with star defenseman Von Miller from the Denver Broncos. The Rams have put their own future at risk, but they still have to put their good hand to the finish line.

Young coach Sean McVay's team had already reached the final three years ago, but failed 3:13 to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Brady won his seventh NFL title last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stafford's big goal is to emulate the legend and lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy in his first year with a new club in his own stadium.

The cards aren't bad. Stafford has taken the Rams offense to a new level. He hadn't won a playoff game in twelve years with the Detroit Lions. This season he proved what is possible with top-class teammates. “Pressure is a privilege,” explained the 34-year-old. He knows he was brought to Los Angeles to bring the city the title.

Matthew Stafford was committed to this moment: the Super Bowl. © APA/getty / Christian Petersen

Other big names at the Rams include Odell Beckham Jr., who was signed during the season. or cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Perhaps the biggest star, however, is Aaron Donald, considered by many to be one of the best defenders in the history of the sport. Opposing quarterbacks fear the 130 kg colossus with his special abilities. “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time in this league,” Donald said. A Super Bowl title is what is still missing from his CV. Bengals want the football fairytale The Rams not only have the home advantage on their side at SoFi Stadium, they also have far greater experience with their expensive star ensemble. But Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have already shaken things up this season. Burrow surpassed the club record for touchdown passes and passing yards, while Chase set several NFL records for league rookies.

The duo had already played together for Louisiana State University (LSU) and won the national college championship, which was highly regarded in the USA, in 2019/20. Burrow won the Heisman Trophy as the best college player and was selected number one in the NFL draft. If the 25-year-old also triumphs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, he would be the first player in history to combine these four awards or trophies. However, he can rely on the people around him - especially Chase.

The exceptional athlete followed Burrow into the NFL a year late. The Bengals invested the fifth draft pick in the receiver, even though they had much more pressing needs at other positions. The risk should pay off. Burrow was an important advocate for his old and new facing partner. “I told everyone that it wouldn't go wrong.” It didn't, the 21-year-old hit hard.

And then there is another rookie. “Money Mac” they call him. Kickers aren't usually the big stars in US football; they have a job to do. Things are different with Evan McPherson. The 22-year-old immediately impressed with his self-confident demeanor. McPherson has already converted twelve of twelve field goals in the play-offs. If he manages two more against the Rams, he would have equaled Adam Vinatieri's NFL record (14 in the 2006/07 season).

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Superbowl: A duel of generations

The young wild ones of the Cincinnati Bengals will challenge the star ensemble of the Los Angeles Rams on Monday (00.30 CET) in the fight for their first Super Bowl title in club history. The highly favored Rams are under significantly more pressure.

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