Los Angeles bounced back from a rough season-opening loss in Australia behind a vintage performance from its veteran quarterback and wide receiver, while New York’s night was derailed early when rookie Jaxson Dart left with a knee injury.
The Los Angeles Rams put their disappointing Week 1 trip to Australia firmly in the rearview mirror, blowing out the New York Giants 28-6 on Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium.
Stafford and Adams Lead the Way
Quarterback Matthew Stafford turned in a big night, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns. His top target was Davante Adams, who caught eight passes for 195 yards and two of those touchdowns — the fourth-highest single-game yardage total of Adams’ 13-year career.
Adams’ first score came on a highlight-reel, two-handed grab high above his head that he turned into a 31-yard touchdown on the Rams’ second possession. He followed that up with a 64-yard catch on Los Angeles’ next drive, setting up a 10-yard touchdown catch from running back Kyren Williams.
“This team, we got to the confidence level that we’re at because of the work we put in, and we’re not going to put any governors on what we can do here,” Adams said after the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised the chemistry building between his quarterback and star receiver. “Adams was special, and it showed all night,” McVay said. “I thought he made some great plays, but you can see there’s a lot of trust he and Matthew have. It’s only going to continue to build, and I was really happy for him.”
Los Angeles finished the night with 481 total yards to New York’s 182, and overcame two turnovers of its own in the lopsided win.
Giants’ Night Derailed Early
New York’s night took a difficult turn just seven snaps into the game, when rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart left the field after absorbing a heavy hit from Rams defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart. Dart exited with a left knee injury.
Veteran Jameis Winston took over under center for the Giants and struggled to move the offense, finishing 11 of 27 for 111 yards with an interception.
Aaron Donald’s Return
The game also marked the return of Rams legend Aaron Donald to the NFL sidelines, adding to the atmosphere of a bounce-back night for Los Angeles after the team’s Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the league’s season-opening international game in Melbourne, Australia.
What’s Next
The result moves both teams to 1-1 on the season. The Rams head to Denver for a Sunday night matchup, while the Giants return home to host the Tennessee Titans, with the severity of Dart’s knee injury likely to shape New York’s plans at quarterback heading into that game.
