"CINCINNATI -- When the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams left SoFi Stadium after Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, the Bengals were the team that seemed most likely to be back one day. Despite the loss, Cincinnati had the rising stars, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, which positioned the franchise well for years to come. The Rams' big moves yielded a Lombardi Trophy, but it was going to take substantial work to reposition the franchise into a contender."
"Since the Super Bowl at the end of the 2021 season, the Rams and Bengals have nearly identical regular-season records. Both teams have the same number of losses. (Los Angeles has one more win and a 37-31 record; Cincinnati's 2022 game against Buffalo was canceled because of Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest.) But that 2022 season was Cincinnati's most recent as a contender. The Bengals lost in the AFC Championship Game that season, while the Rams went 5-12."
Los Angeles maximized a championship window by stockpiling draft picks, making sound selections, and exercising strong roster management. General manager Les Snead prioritized finding players who care about being good football players and being part of a team. Since the 2021 season, the Rams and Bengals posted nearly identical regular-season records, but trajectories diverged: Cincinnati was a recent contender led by Joe Burrow, while the Rams rebuilt after a 5-12 season. Since 2023, Cincinnati has missed the playoffs, while Los Angeles recorded multiple playoff wins and reached the NFC Championship Game. The Rams’ approach offers a blueprint for sustained competitiveness.
Read at ESPN.com
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