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‘Cinderella story:’ Epic comeback from NFL underdogs stuns America

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow lead an incredible NFL comeback to lead his team into the Superbowl. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow lead an incredible NFL comeback to lead his team into the Superbowl. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading to their first Super Bowl in 33 years following a nail-biting come-from-behind win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

The Bengals had to overcome an 18-point deficit against the Chiefs before eventually prevailing 27-24 in overtime courtesy of a game-winning field goal from kicker Evan McPherson. It was the second straight week the fate of the Bengals’ season came down to the foot of McPherson.

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The epic turnaround from the Bengals tied the record for the largest comeback in AFC/NFC Championship game history.

The Bengals’ remarkable run to the biggest event on the US sports calendar has been described as a ‘Cinderella story’ that very few saw coming, with any NFL pundits predicting they would miss the playoffs altogether.

Speaking after the game, Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow expressed his delight at the opportunity next that awaits in Super Bowl LVI.

“It’s something I’m really proud of, being from Ohio,” Burrow said.

“This is something I’ve always wanted, playing in the Super Bowl, and I couldn’t be with a better group of guys.”

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Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised his team’s resilience to overcome such a daunting margin.

“We have a special team, and we’ve overcome a lot of deficits this year, we always believed in all three of our phases,” Taylor said.

“Everyone stepped up and we’re not done yet.”

The Chiefs, who were heavily favoured going into the contest, were left to rue a dismal second-half display after starting the game in impressive fashion.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed completed 18 of 21 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, as the home team raced out to a 21-3 lead at Arrowhead Stadium.

However, Mahomes could only complete 8 passes from 18 attempts for 55 yards in the second half, along with two interceptions as the Bengals came storming back into the contest to force overtime.

The Chiefs won the toss in the extra period, but Patrick Mahomes threw an interception on third-and-10, giving Cincinnati the ball at their 45.

“Usually when you lose a coin flip to those guys, you're going home,” Burrow said post match.

“But our defense really stepped up and made plays in the second half. And on offense, we made plays when we had to.”

The Bengals will now play the winner of the NFC Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on Monday morning February 14 (AEDT).

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