Monday, 4 a.m.
For Cooper Kupp, it ended with the football in his hands. For Aaron Donald, it ended with the quarterback in his.
Journeys. Perspectives. Viewpoints.
For Matt Stafford, it ended with a long drive, one that went a long way from Detroit. For Joe Burrow, it ended up with Rams' defensive linemen fastened to his body.
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There is something about a significant victory that hits a lot of us. We remember what play won it. We remember what play lost it. We remember what play kept us away from it.
That's the cool thing about the Super Bowl. You tend to think of it in personal terms, even if you weren't playing.
For Rams' general manager Les Snead, it was a moment to reflect on the blueprint swiped from Tampa Bay. In other words, bring in all the stars you can bring, pay the salary. Bringing in Von Miller, Odell Beckham (even though he was hurt) and Matt Stafford boosted the Rams over the top.
For Cooper Kupp, the MVP, it was a acknowledgement of his stardom. He caught eight passes for 93 yards, and personally took over pn the winning touchdown drive.
For Stafford, it means a rebirth. He was a forgotten performer in Detroit, his excellence hidden by losing seasons. In the end, the only real receiver he had was Kupp, but that was plenty.
For Bucs' defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, it was a chance to second-guess himself (but not publicly) for that inane decision to leave Kupp open deep in the closing seconds of their loss in the Division playoff game. If Bowles' could have held up for 42 seconds more, the Bucs could have forced overtime. Instead, they were home watching.
For Kansas City Andy Reid, it was time to note that more points are a good thing when you have the lead.
For Donald, the platform was perfect to remind the world how good he is. He had two sacks and three hurries, and now he will consider retiring. Here's hoping he doesn't.
For retired quarterback Tom Brady, maybe it was time to remind yourself of how much fun playing in the Super Bowl is. Maybe he made this retirement decision a little soon.
For the aveage Bucs' fan, it was a reminder to thank heaven that Vernon Hargreaves, dumb guy, is no longer on the team.
For Mike Brown, he should try to make another one of these over the next quarter of a century.
For Jalen Ramsey, well, oops. Tough playoffs, buddy.
For Raheem Morris, the former Bucs' coach who was the Rams' defensive coordinator, it's time to get fitted for a ring. Isn't that cool?
For the Cincinnati Bengals, there was this: As bad as losing felt, you had a better day than Adrian Peterson.