Odell Beckham and the Los Angeles Rams have a chance to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Who are the Ram’s X-Factors?
Los Angeles, California is one of the most visited cities in the United States. Universal Studios, Disney Land, and Hollywood attract visitors year-round. On February 13, the country’s tourist destination will host the NFL’s biggest game.
Super Bowl LVI will be played in Sofi Stadium, home of the NFC Champions. Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams will defend their home turf against Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals. Head Coach Sean McVay has led his team to the big stage, but it will be up to these Los Angeles Rams to perform.
Los Angeles Rams X-Factor: Odell Beckham Jr.
Making a return after a serious injury requires dedication and mental toughness. Odell Beckham Jr.’s journey to Super Bowl LVI has not been the prettiest. His production on the field has positioned his teams to win key games but has yet to amount to a Super Bowl ring.
Off the field issues and frustration forced the eight-year veteran to find a new home. On November 12, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams signed Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal. The time to win an NFL championship was now.
Signing Odell Beckham Jr. was an intelligent move by the Rams front office. A one-year deal was all the veteran needed to stir up a chance at the Vince Lombardi trophy. Performing in clutch situations is one of Beckham’s specialties.
Handling the pressure to perform has never been an issue for the former first-round pick. In 2014, Beckham Jr. finished his rookie season with 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Lou Anarumo and the Bengals defense will have to pick their poison this week. Focusing solely on Odell Beckham Jr. will present opportunities for teammate Cooper Kupp to continue his MVP-like performance.
Kupp has accumulated 533 yards receiving this post-season. Picking who to help in coverage may cause the Bengals to make mistakes throughout the game. Fans can count on Beckham Jr. to make the most out of Super Bowl LVI.
Los Angeles Rams X-Factor: Jalen Ramsey
Turnovers can change the momentum in close games. According to NFL.com, the Rams were ranked third in interceptions last season. Their 19 interceptions will make the Bengals think twice when passing the ball. Jalen Ramsey is the key to Kevin O’Connell’s defense. His physicality, athleticism, and play recognition make him a threat in between the lines.
Locking down opponents has become Ramsey’s specialty. Before joining the league in 2016, he was known to be a fierce defender. When the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Ramsey with the fifth pick in the 2016 draft, their defense improved tremendously.
His 193 tackles with the Jaguars help their defense defend against the run and pass. In 2019, Florida State’s former star decided to seek greener pastures. Joining the Rams organization presented the seven-year veteran with a better chance to become an NFL champion.
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are the only two players in the way of Ramsey’s first Super Bowl ring. Cincinnati’s young quarterback and receiver tandem has shredded opposing year-round.
The two have connected on 81 passes during the regular season. Chase’s 1,455 yards receiving was ranked fourth-best in the NFL. Silencing Ja’Marr Chase will be Jalen Ramsey’s mission as Los Angeles attempts to snatch Super Bowl LVI in their home stadium.
Los Angeles Rams X-Factor: Matthew Stafford, QB
Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions will watch the Super Bowl from the comfort of their own homes, thinking about what could have been. Matthew Stafford’s career as a Lion is hard to remember after watching this year’s super bowl run.
His first year with the Rams has surpassed his performances in previous seasons. Stafford’s performances in the clutch have given Los Angeles something to get excited about.
With the first pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions drafted their new face of the franchise. Stafford’s career at the University of Georgia showed glimpses of his potential. His last season with the Bulldogs amazed NFL scouts. At the end of his Junior season, Stafford ranked second in passer completion percentage and first in pass completions in the SEC.
His 3,499 yards passing was the most by anyone in the conference. Help from freshman A.J Green played a part In Stafford’s collegiate success.
Having an explosive receiving core has been the difference between Stafford’s experiences with the Lions and the Rams. Members of Detroit’s front office struggled to bring in weapons for Stafford and his offense.
Receivers like Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate have helped Stafford develop but haven’t been enough to make Super Bowl contention. Odell Beckham Jr., Cooper Kupp, and Tyler Higbee have been the missing pieces to Stafford’s career.
His connection with his receiving core allowed Stafford to have the best season of his career. According to ESPN, Stafford finished third in yards passing, second in touchdowns, and fourth in quarterback rating. His consistency has positioned to Rams in a prime position to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Playing in the Superbowl is a dream come true for athletes that have worked diligently. Odell Beckham Jr, Jalen Ramsey, and Matthew Stafford have shown their dedication to the game through years of perseverance. On February 13th, all three players will have the chance to become NFL champions for the first time in their careers.
The task of winning will be difficult, but Los Angeles’ star trio will be more than ready to play in Super Bowl LVI..