The Cincinnati Bengals have described themselves as a second-half team for much of this season, but the Super Bowl — with its extended halftime — could have thrown the Bengals off that usual rhythm.
Well, they needed one play to put aside those concerns. It just took some help from abysmal officiating, though.
On the opening play of the second half, Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins on a 75-yard touchdown to give Cincinnati a four-point lead. But as Higgins made his way to the end zone, Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey was absolutely stunned that no flag was thrown. And he had every right to be upset.
Higgins got away with a blatant offensive pass interference penalty, grabbing Ramsey’s facemask and pushing the cornerback to the turf.
Burrow to Higgins for 75 yards and the @Bengals have the lead! #RuleItAll
📺: #SBLVI on NBC
📱: https://t.co/K02y40b5Nu pic.twitter.com/lTfM3W8nyA— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2022
