Matthew Stafford starts the Rams career with a long touchdown pass to Van Jefferson

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  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Bouquets covered for two years in the Los Angeles Times
    • It previously covered the Falcons
    • He has covered NBA and college football and basketball

INGLEWOOD, California – Welcome to LA, Matthew Stafford!

An action-play throw caused Stafford to pass it on to Van Jefferson, as the sophomore receiver wielded behind the defense, sneaked in to get the ball, and got up when he wasn’t touching it. The 67-yard touchdown bomb gave the Los Angeles Rams a 7-0 lead over the Chicago Bears in the first quarter.

Stafford’s 67-yard touchdown pass is tied for the longest finish in an early drive of his career. He also had a 67-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson in the first unit of the Sept. 8, 2014 game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants.

Stafford debuted on the field celebrating, while defender Aaron Donald and corner Jalen Ramsey burst into the side.

Stafford continued to let fly in the third quarter. After hitting Jefferson with the touchdown pass to open the game, Stafford opened the second half with a 56-yard bomb to receiver Cooper Kupp, who took the pass quietly without a defender within ten yards to give to the Rams a 20-7 lead.

For the first time in his career, Stafford has multiple touchdowns of more than 40 yards in a single game

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