The Los Angeles Rams needed a response after a frustrating start to their season. Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams delivered one in convincing fashion.
Los Angeles rolled past the New York Giants 28-6 on Monday night, with Stafford rediscovering his rhythm and Adams turning the Rams’ passing attack into the dominant force it was expected to be.
Stafford completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, overcoming one interception while producing a dramatic improvement from his performance in the season opener.
His biggest weapon was Adams, who repeatedly found openings in New York’s secondary and finished with eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. After a quiet Week 1, Adams quickly reminded the league how much damage he can do when he and Stafford are clicking.
The Rams needed that production with Puka Nacua unavailable. Tight end Terrance Ferguson also stepped forward, contributing six catches for 54 yards and a touchdown as Los Angeles found several ways to move the ball through the air.
The night also marked the return of one of the most recognizable players in Rams history. Aaron Donald played his first NFL game in 981 days after previously retiring following the 2023 season. Donald was on the field for 32 defensive snaps and recorded three tackles and a run stuff.
For New York, the problems began almost immediately.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart injured his left knee on the Giants’ opening possession and was unable to return. Jameis Winston took over, but the offense struggled to generate momentum against a Rams defense that applied heavy pressure.
Winston finished with 111 passing yards and threw an interception in the red zone. Without Dart directing the offense, New York managed only 182 total yards during Winston’s time at quarterback.
The Giants also couldn’t reproduce their success on the ground from the previous week. After rushing for 165 yards in their opener, they were limited to 52 yards and averaged just 2.5 yards per carry against Los Angeles.
Injuries made the defeat even more uncomfortable for New York. Wide receiver Malik Nabers hurt his shoulder before returning to the game, while Andrew Thomas and Brian Burns were also banged up later in the contest.
The result leaves both teams at 1-1, but they leave Monday night facing very different questions.
Los Angeles heads into Week 3 with renewed confidence after its offense produced the explosive performance that was missing from the opener. The Rams will next travel to Denver.
New York returns home to face Tennessee, with the status of Dart and the health of several other key players likely to command plenty of attention in the days ahead.
