The Los Angeles Rams seized momentum and a convincing victory, beating the New York Giants 28-6 while the visitors lost rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to a knee injury on their opening offensive series.
Matthew Stafford led the Rams with a commanding passing display, finishing with 327 yards and four touchdowns to lift Los Angeles to a 1-1 record. Davante Adams emerged as the primary target, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, the most receiving yards he has posted since joining Los Angeles. One of Stafford’s scoring throws moved him past Philip Rivers into sixth place all time in passing touchdowns, part of a night the veteran quarterback controlled through the air.
Los Angeles managed those numbers despite the absence of injured All-Pros Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, finding balance through big plays. Adams reeled in a high, two-handed 31-yard touchdown early and later ripped a 64-yard gain that set upren Williams’s 10-yard scoring catch. The Rams finished with 481 yards of total offence compared with New York’s 182.
The Giants’ night unraveled quickly. Dart left the field after a heavy hit on New York’s seventh play, and reports say he sprained his MCL and will miss playing time. He is not believed to have suffered a fracture and will undergo an MRI on Tuesday. Jameis Winston replaced, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards with one interception as the Giants managed only field goals for their points.
The game also marked the long-awaited return of Aaron Donald to NFL action after a 32-month absence. The three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year recorded three tackles and drew sustained ovations at SoFi Stadium. “It felt good to be out there and get a game under my belt … I’m a little sore right now,” Donald said after the game.
Stafford praised Adams’ range and reliability. “He attacked all areas of the field, he’s a fantastic football player we’re lucky to have him,” Stafford said. On the injury to Dart, Stafford added, “I said I’m pulling for him. I don’t expect him to tell me what’s going on, but I just wanted him to know I’m pulling for him. I want young guys in this league who play our position to play well. He’s doing a heck of a job, I hope he’s back sooner rather than later.”
With Dart’s recovery now central to New York’s short-term plans, the Giants must sort their quarterback situation while awaiting MRI results. For the Rams, the win and Donald’s return offer a clearer blueprint as they move forward through the season, buoyed by a dominant passing attack and renewed defensive availability.
