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Lindsey ThiryESPN
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford faked a transfer, rolled left and then let it fly.
People at SoFi Stadium jumped to their feet as Stafford’s 67-yard pass finally landed in the hands of receiver Van Jefferson, who stopped behind the Chicago Bears defense and then crossed the finish line for a touchdown. .
It was the first push of a 34-14 defeat Sunday night over the Bears visitors and just the start of Stafford’s official LA welcome party.
“He did it incredibly,” Rams corner Jalen Ramsey said after the game. “His command, his booty, like it’s all fantastic. It’s like a debut that should probably go down in history the same way he played.”
Stafford’s debut came a long time after the Rams agreed to a box office trade last January that sent quarterback Jared Goff two first-round picks and a third-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the quarterback. veteran.
Stafford finished 20 of 26 for 321 yards and three touchdowns, with the best passing score of 156.1 in the race, becoming the first player in NFL history to earn his team debut while pass 300 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions, according to Elias Sports Bureau investigation.
“A lot of anticipation for this game,” Stafford said during a post-game press conference in which he properly dressed a sweater with a big smiling face. “It’s a new experience for me, a new venue, a new stadium, new fans, the whole cast, but this team has hugged me and I’m very grateful.”
After playing last season without a vertical threat and struggling to constantly create plays on the low field, Rams coach Sean McVay stressed during the low season and throughout the training camp the need for the offense to be more explosive this season.
Stafford provided great playing ability in his debut as he averaged 12.3 yards in the run as he attempted to pass six different players.
“He had confidence in his teammates, he hoped to play well and he did a great job,” said McVay, who is 5-0 in the first season since he coached the Rams in 2017. “I loved it all. what he did tonight. “
Stafford’s Jefferson pass to Jefferson ended an 80-yard touchdown run that covered 80 yards, spanned 1 minute and 18 seconds and caused Stafford to come off the field while Ramsey and his teammates exploded to the side. .
“I felt good,” Stafford said of holding the touchdown. “This is a good start. … It was great and I had fun out there.”
“It was a great job for [Stafford] be able to turn your hips and make an amazing throw, “McVay said.” I think it’s one of those things – he has a talent, he has a great ability to change the arm slot and make all kinds of throws. , whether short, intermediate or below the field, but not limited to anything you can do with him in the passing game. “
Stafford delivered more of the same to open the second half. After becoming third and 10 with a 19-yard finish to receiver Robert Woods, Stafford deepened receiver Cooper Kupp, who had no defender within ten yards, for a 56-yard touchdown that gave the Rams a 20-7 lead.
“It was exactly what we wanted and it came from a group of different guys,” McVay said of the explosive plays generated by Stafford, Jefferson, Kupp, Woods and the close Tyler Higbee, who took a 37-yard pass.
“Matt did a great job making the ball easier for everyone,” Jefferson said. “This crime will be explosive and we’re just following Matt.”
Stafford warned in his excitement after the game that his win over the Bears was just a game and that the Rams should continue to rely on performance.
But for a team with Super Bowl expectations on the shoulders of their new quarterback, it seemed like a solid start.