Matthew Stafford Sends Strong Message With Four Touchdown Performance
Matthew Stafford delivered one of the biggest quarterback performances of NFL Week 2 as the Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 28 to 6 at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2026. After a difficult opening week, Stafford responded with a confident performance that helped Los Angeles earn its first victory of the new season. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns as the Rams improved to 1- 1.
The victory looked very different from the Rams’ season opener against San Francisco. Stafford had managed 155 passing yards with no touchdown passes in the 27 to 7 loss. Against New York, the veteran quarterback quickly found his rhythm and helped Los Angeles control the game from the opening quarter.
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams Take Control
One of the biggest stories of the night was Stafford’s connection with Davante Adams. The veteran receiver finished with eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Adams caught a 31-yard touchdown late in the first quarter and added another score from 11 yards in the third quarter. His performance became even more important because star receiver Puka Nacua was unable to play because of a hip injury. Los Angeles Times Yahoo Sports
Stafford also spread the ball around when New York tried to limit Adams. Kyren Williams caught a 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter, while Terrance Ferguson added a five-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Rams finished the night with 481 total yards compared with only 182 for the Giants, showing how completely Los Angeles controlled the matchup.
The game also added another major milestone to Stafford’s long NFL career. His touchdown pass to Adams moved him past Philip Rivers on the career passing touchdown list. Stafford finished the night with 427 career touchdown passes, placing him sixth in NFL history according to reports after the game.
Stafford entered the league as the first overall selection of the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft after playing college football at Georgia. His career has since included Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl championship with the Rams, and the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award. His longevity has made him one of the most accomplished active quarterbacks in professional football.
Rams Find Their Rhythm as Aaron Donald Returns
Stafford was not the only veteran attracting attention Monday night. Aaron Donald returned to the Rams after previously retiring following the 2023 season. His return gave the Los Angeles defense another experienced presence, and Donald immediately made an impact near the goal line when he stopped Giants running back Najee Harris for a loss.
New York’s night became more difficult when starting quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury during the Giants’ first offensive series. Dart left the game and did not return. Jameis Winston took over at quarterback, but New York struggled to create scoring opportunities and finished with only two field goals.
For Stafford, the performance offered an immediate answer after questions surrounding the Rams offense following Week 1. Los Angeles was without several important players, but Stafford still produced more than 300 passing yards and four scores while helping the team control Monday Night Football.
At 38 years old, Matthew Stafford continues adding major milestones to a career that began more than 17 years ago. His latest performance showed why the Rams continue to depend heavily on his arm and experience. With Los Angeles back in the win column and Stafford climbing further up the NFL record book, his Week 2 showing quickly became one of the major quarterback stories of the young 2026 season.
