The Rams were created in 1937 in Cleveland. In 1945, they were crowned champions, against Washington (15-14). Quarterback Bob Waterfield has the distinction of being a “rookie”. The following year, the Rams moved to Los Angeles and stayed there for 50 years. In 1951, LA won the title, after beating the Cleveland Browns (24-17). The stars are “QB’s” Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin and receivers Elroy Hirsch and Tom Fears, all elected to the Hall of Fame. The Rams were also finalists in 1949, 1950 and 1955.
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Los Angeles reached its first Super Bowl (created in 1967) in 1980. Faced with Pittsburgh, the big favorite, the Californians held firm then gave in at the end of the match (19-31). They remain valid underdogs into the 80s, before racking up disappointing seasons. In search of a new breath, the franchise moved to Saint-Louis in 1995.
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One of the greatest offenses in NFL history was born in 1999, with quarterback Kurt Warner, runner Marshall Faulk and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. The Rams win their first Super Bowl, against Tennessee (23-16). They have been champions in three different cities (only the Braves, in MLB, have achieved such a performance). Saint-Louis returned to the final in 2002, was the big favourite, but was surprised by New England and Tom Brady (17-20).
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The Rams fall back into anonymity and return to Los Angeles in 2016. Good idea. They find the Super Bowl in 2019, but lose an ultra defensive final (3-13), again against Brady and the Patriots. Historic LA team, the Rams have never won the Super Bowl in their hometown. Maybe it will be this Sunday.
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The Cincinnati Bengals were not born until 1968. They were then playing in the AFL, the rival league of the NFL (the two champions met at the time at the Super Bowl). Two years later, the two championships merge. Cincinnati played its first play-offs in 1970, returned there in 1973 and 1975, but lost each time in the first round.
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The Bengals discovered the Super Bowl in 1982, against San Francisco. Their quarterback Ken Anderson was voted MVP of the season. But Cincinnati bows (26-21), after missing the start of the game. The Ohio franchise returned to the Super Bowl in 1989, again against San Francisco. Again, the team’s quarterback, Boomer Esiason, is voted MVP of the year.
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The Bengals also have in their ranks the runner Ickey Woods, whimsical player, who celebrates his touchdowns with a small dance step, and Anthony Munoz, one of the best offensive linemen of all time. But San Francisco is crowned again (20-16), thanks to a touchdown scored at the very end of the match. Cincinnati returns to the play-offs two years later, but does not shine there.
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The time of lean cows then comes: only six qualifications for the final stages in more than 30 years and, above all, no victory won during these cleaver matches. In 2019, the Bengals only won two games. It’s time to rebuild the team.
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Quarterback Joe Burrow arrives in 2020, then receiver Ja’Marr Chase in 2021. The youth gamble pays off. Cincinnati is having a great winter: back in the play-offs and qualifying for the Super Bowl. With finally a victory?
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