2021 NFL Season Recap

Originally published on Feb. 13, 2022

By Zane Miller 

On Sunday, February 13th, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI to win the 102nd championship in NFL history. It was the third (and, as of this writing, most recent) championship for the Rams franchise, as Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp won his first Super Bowl MVP Award. The game was held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers won his fourth MVP Award with 37 passing touchdowns and 4,115 passing yards, while Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman won his first Defensive Player of the Year Award with five forced fumbles and 22.5 sacks. The regular season was expanded to 17 games per team, making it the longest regular season in league history.

Out of Playoffs: Indianapolis Colts (9-8), New Orleans Saints (9-8), Los Angeles Chargers (9-8), Miami Dolphins (9-8), Minnesota Vikings (8-9), Baltimore Ravens (8-9), Cleveland Browns (8-9), Washington Football Team (7-10), Atlanta Falcons (7-10), Seattle Seahawks (7-10), Denver Broncos (7-10), Chicago Bears (6-11), Carolina Panthers (5-12), Houston Texans (4-13), New York Jets (4-13), New York Giants (4-13), Detroit Lions (3-13-1), Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14)

Out in first round: Dallas Cowboys (L 23-17 to 49ers), Las Vegas Raiders (L 26-19 to Bengals), Arizona Cardinals (L 34-11 to Rams), New England Patriots (L 47-17 to Bills), Pittsburgh Steelers (L 42-21 to Chiefs), Philadelphia Eagles (L 31-15 to Buccaneers)

Out in second round: Tennessee Titans (L 19-16 to Bengals), Green Bay Packers (L 13-10 to 49ers), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L 30-27 to Rams), Buffalo Bills (L 42-36 (OT) to Chiefs)

Out in third round: Kansas City Chiefs (L 27-24 (OT) to Bengals), San Francisco 49ers (L 20-17 to Rams)

Most passing touchdowns: #12 Tom Brady (Buccaneers)- 43 TD

Most rushing touchdowns: #28 Jonathan Taylor (Colts)- 18 TD

Most receiving touchdowns: #10 Cooper Kupp (Rams)- 16 TD

Most sacks: #90 TJ Watt (Steelers)- 22.5 sacks

Most forced fumbles: #53 Darius Leonard (Colts)- 8 FF

Most interceptions: #7 Trevon Diggs (Cowboys)- 11 INT

Best field goal percentage (min. 13 attempts): #9 Justin Tucker (Ravens)- 35 for 37, 94.6% 

Scoring Summary 

 

Link to stats database: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/