It’s Day 2 of Super Bowl week, with the Cincinnati Bengals scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on Tuesday. We’ll hear from players and coaches from both teams again and who know what surprises are in store as we draw closer to the big game on Sunday.
Super Bowl week officially kicked off on Monday with “opening night.” Ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, players and coaches from both teams spoke with reporters about literally everything. From recapping their NFL journey, to nicknames, to analyzing what will take place between the lines Sunday at SoFi Stadium, they are some of the more fun interviews we get in the NFL.
For the second year in a row, these interviews took place virtually — unfortunately. Still, there were plenty of fun moments from opening night. From injury updates to old friends crashing press conferences, there was plenty to digest.
Let’s take a look back at some highlights from Monday night. Then keep scrolling down for the latest updates and analysis from Tuesday.
‘Work in silence’
One of the best moments from opening night actually came in the morning. Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow was asked about the advice he would give to younger athletes. Here’s what he said:
“Focus on getting better,” Burrow said. “Don’t have a workout and then go and post it on Instagram the next day and then go sit on your butt for four days, and everybody thinks you’re working hard but you’re really not. Work in silence. Don’t show everybody what you’re doing. Let your game on Friday nights and Saturday nights and Sunday nights show all the hard work that you put in. Don’t worry about all that social media.”
Cincy needed no historical motivation in playoff run
Not many expected to see the Bengals make it to Super Bowl LVI, but here they are. They are one of a dozen NFL teams to have never won a Super Bowl, and came into this season with eight consecutive playoff losses. Despite the drought, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor didn’t use this as motivation for his team. These Bengals are not the Bengals of old. They are here to build their own legacy.
“We never even really spoke about the playoff drought once,” Burrow said on opening night. “We have a young team that doesn’t really understand the historical significance of what we’re doing. We’re just out there playing football and getting better while we’re doing it.”
C.J. Uzomah is not missing the Super Bowl
Cincinnati’s tight end sprained his MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, but there’s no way he’s going to miss the most important game of his life. Uzomah gave a medical update on Monday, and it sounds like he’s playing.
“It’s the Super Bowl. I’m doing everything I can,” Uzomah said. “I don’t really care too much about how I’m feeling, to be honest, when I’m out there. … I’m not missing the biggest game of my life. I’m not missing it. That’s my approach going into it every day of rehab. If I wake up and I’m like, ‘Oh man, it’s a little sore,’ it doesn’t matter. Right when I get in that building, right when I put my feet on the ground, it’s go time. Let’s get this rehab going. Let’s do everything I can to make sure that I’m ready and available to play, so that’s kind of where my mind is.”
In fact, when Uzomah addressed the Bengals crowd at their send-off party, he did this:
Evan McPherson wants to kick a game-winning FG
The rookie phenom Evan McPherson has kicked two game-winning field goals in a row, and he wants to make it three. McPherson talked about the impact the legendary Adam Vinatieri has had on his career while never meeting him, and how he wants to remain clutch.
McPherson has not missed a kick this postseason (16/16 in all). That’s the most made kicks without a miss by a kicker in a single postseason.
Jarvis Landry crashes Odell Beckham Jr.’s press conference
Odell Beckham Jr. has had a wild season. It began with the Cleveland Browns and ended with the Rams in the Super Bowl. During his Monday media availability, his former college and Browns teammate, Jarvis Landry, crashed the session.
It actually made for a pretty emotional moment. Check it out:
“You’re deserving of this moment,” said Landry. “You put countless hours to where you are today and I’ve witnessed it all firsthand. You have scars to show for where you are today. This is a dream that you are actually turning into a reality and I wanted to come on here and just let you know that I’m proud of you, bro, that so many people supporting you every step of the way bro. Continue to use your light, continue to be a blessing to others.
“I love you and go get that ring. Go get that ring!”
Best defensive back in the league
Some see Rams star cornerback Jalen Ramsey as the best corner in the league, but he thinks he’s better than that! On Monday, Ramsey said he believes he’s the best corner in the league, but quickly corrected himself to say best defensive back.
Wild Bengals send-off
The Bengals were still in Cincy on Monday night, enjoying a party with their fans before taking off for L.A.
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