Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes and moved into sixth place in NFL history as the Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 28 to 6 on Monday night. The result was overshadowed for New York by a left knee injury that ended Jaxson Dart's game on the opening possession.
The Rams improved to 1 and 1 after controlling the matchup with 481 total yards. The Giants finished with only 182 yards and fell to 1 and 1.
Stafford and Adams take over
Stafford delivered a sharp response after Los Angeles failed to score a touchdown in its season opening loss. He threw touchdown passes to Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, Adams again and Terrance Ferguson.
The third touchdown was the 426th of Stafford's career, moving him ahead of Philip Rivers for sixth place on the league's career list. His fourth touchdown raised the total to 427. Only Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre have thrown more.
Adams became the focal point of the offense with Puka Nacua inactive because of a hip and groin issue. He produced nearly 200 receiving yards and caught two touchdowns, including a 31 yard score in the first quarter that gave Los Angeles early control.
The Rams defense supported the offensive surge by keeping New York out of the end zone. Jameis Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and threw an interception after replacing Dart.
Dart injury becomes the Giants' biggest concern
Dart was injured on a third down pass during the first drive. Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart converged on him, and the contact forced his left knee inward. Dart walked from the field but did not return.
NFL Network reported after the game that Dart is believed to have suffered a sprain of the medial collateral ligament. His X rays were negative, and an MRI is scheduled for Tuesday. The Giants have not announced a final diagnosis or recovery timetable.
Dart completed 3 of 5 passes for 20 yards before leaving. His absence changed the game immediately, and New York never found enough offense to threaten the Rams.
The Giants return home to face Tennessee in Week 3. Los Angeles earned its first victory of the season with a complete performance, but New York's short week will center on the MRI and whether Dart can avoid an extended absence.
*Featured image: Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams in 2025. Image from the Tennessee Titans, licensed under [Creative Commons Attribution 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).*