NFL Super Bowl 2022 Highlights: Top 5 Game-Changing Plays and Key Moments

I still remember sitting on my couch with my buddies, watching the Super Bowl LVI unfold last February, completely mesmerized by how quickly momentum could shift in a championship game. The Rams versus Bengals matchup delivered exactly what football fans crave—those pivotal moments where the entire trajectory of the game changes in a single play. Looking back at the NFL Super Bowl 2022 highlights, I can pinpoint exactly five game-changing plays that ultimately decided which team would hoist the Lombardi Trophy, and frankly, I think these moments demonstrate why football remains the most unpredictable and thrilling sport in America.

Let me start with what I consider the most underrated turning point—the interception that wasn't. Early in the second quarter, with the Bengals leading 7-3, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford launched what should have been a disastrous pass directly toward Bengals safety Jessie Bates. I literally jumped off my couch when I saw the ball hanging in the air, certain this would become a pick-six. Bates had perfect positioning, hands ready, everything you'd want—but the ball slipped right through his fingers. Watching the replay, I noticed how Stafford actually closed his eyes for a split second, bracing for the turnover that never came. Three plays later, the Rams scored a touchdown to take their first lead. That dropped interception completely shifted the game's emotional momentum, and it reminds me of what athletes often say about missed opportunities. There's a rawness to these moments that resonates with any competitor.

The second game-changing moment came courtesy of Joe Burrow's magical escape act late in the third quarter. Facing third-and-long with the Bengals' offense suddenly stagnant, Burrow somehow evaded what should have been a certain sack by Aaron Donald, buying just enough time to find Ja'Marr Chase for a 15-yard completion. Statistics show that Burrow was pressured on 42% of his dropbacks throughout the game, yet he still managed to make something out of nothing on that critical down. I've always admired quarterbacks who can create when the play breaks down, and Burrow's improvisation here kept the Bengals in field goal range when they desperately needed points. It's these spontaneous plays that separate good quarterbacks from truly special ones.

Then came what I believe was the actual turning point—the Tee Higgins touchdown that began the fourth quarter. On first down from the Rams' 8-yard line, Higgins ran a quick out route against Jalen Ramsey, making a contested catch in the corner of the end zone. Or did he? Watching it live, I immediately noticed Higgins clearly grabbing Ramsey's facemask, which should have drawn an offensive penalty and nullified the touchdown. The officials missed it, and suddenly the Bengals had their first lead since early in the game. This controversial play sparked endless debates in my group chat, with some friends arguing the referees swallowed their whistles while others claimed it was incidental contact. Regardless of where you stand, this moment completely shifted the game's dynamics and put enormous pressure on the Rams' offense with just 15 minutes remaining.

Which brings me to Cooper Kupp's unbelievable fourth quarter. With the Rams trailing 20-16 and their championship hopes fading, Kupp essentially put the entire team on his back. On the game-winning drive alone, he accounted for 43 of the 75 yards gained, including consecutive catches of 8, 9, and 12 yards against various coverages. But the play that truly showcased his greatness came on second-and-goal from the 7-yard line. Kupp ran what appeared to be a simple crossing route, but then suddenly stopped, reversed direction, and found just enough space for Stafford to thread the needle. That reception set up first-and-goal from the 1-yard line, and watching Kupp's spatial awareness and route-running precision reminded me why he deserved every single vote for Offensive Player of the Year.

The final game-changing moment—the one that sealed the championship—came from the inevitable force that is Aaron Donald. On fourth down with the Bengals needing just one yard to potentially extend their final drive, Donald exploded past the offensive line and swallowed Joe Burrow whole. The statistical probability of the Bengals converting that fourth down situation was around 68% based on season data, but statistics don't account for generational talent taking over at the most critical moment. As Donald celebrated, I couldn't help but think about the mentality required in these situations. There's a quote from one of the players that perfectly captures this mindset: "That's just the situation now we're with the team. Yes, we're gonna be down but with so many games to come, you could never cut us out of this scenario. As much as we want to cry, there's nothing that's gonna change the outcome of this game." This raw acknowledgment of emotion paired with resilience embodies what championship football is all about.

Reflecting on these NFL Super Bowl 2022 highlights months later, what strikes me most is how thin the margin between victory and defeat really is. Had Bates held onto that interception, had the officials flagged Higgins for offensive pass interference, had Donald been half a step slower on that final fourth down—we might be talking about a completely different outcome. These game-changing plays collectively decided one of the most memorable Super Bowls in recent history, and they demonstrate why football remains the ultimate team sport where any player can become a hero in the blink of an eye. The Rams made just one more championship play than the Bengals, and that's all it took to cement their legacy. For football enthusiasts like myself, dissecting these pivotal moments provides endless fascination and reminds us why we devote entire Sundays to this beautiful, unpredictable game.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 16:01