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Lindsey ThiryESPN
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Welcome to L.A., Matthew Stafford!
A play-action rollout resulted in Stafford airing it out to Van Jefferson, as the second-year receiver sprinted behind the defense, dove to get the ball and got up when he wasn’t touched. 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 completion on an opening drive in his career. He also had a 67-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson on the opening drive of a Sept. 8, 2014 game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants.
This Stafford guy can SLING IT 🎯
His first touchdown as a Ram to @VanJefferson12! pic.twitter.com/t1938rUAJ0
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021
Stafford strutted his way down the field in celebration, while defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey erupted on the sideline.
Stafford continued to let in 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 caught the pass in stride without a defender within 10 yards to give the Rams a 20-7 lead.
GOING DEEEEEP!
Staff to @CooperKupp for six! pic.twitter.com/DJOhmksjF3
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021
For the first time in his career, Stafford has multiple passing touchdowns of more than 40 air yards in a single game
