# Matthew Stafford Surpasses Philip Rivers on All-Time Touchdown List as Rams Route Giants 28-6

**By Hank Morrow**  \nPublished September 22, 2026  \nUpdated September 22, 2026

> Matthew Stafford delivered a four-touchdown clinic on Monday Night Football, passing Philip Rivers for sixth place on the NFL's all-time career touchdown list while Davante Adams racked up 195 receiving yards in a 28-6 victory over the Giants.

On a night where the Los Angeles Rams debuted their Classic Sol alternate uniforms at SoFi Stadium, Matthew Stafford provided a masterclass in secondary orchestration. Los Angeles routed the New York Giants 28-6 on Monday Night Football to reset their season at 1-1, but the headline that echoed far past Inglewood belonged to the record books: Stafford threw four touchdown passes to officially surpass Philip Rivers for sixth place on the NFL's all-time career passing touchdown list while simultaneously leapfrogging a franchise legend for second-most touchdown strikes in Rams history.

Stafford’s four-touchdown clinic was a clinical display of pocket poise, culminating in a performance where every throw seemed calibrated to dissect New York’s coverage soft spots. Moving into sixth all-time in career passing touchdowns consolidates Stafford's legacy among the game’s elite gunslingers, demonstrating that even deep into his career, his arm strength and rapid processing remain high-caliber assets in Sean McVay’s system.

## Adams Outgains New York in Single-Handed Aerial Display

While Stafford directed the offense, wide receiver Davante Adams provided the soloist fireworks. Adams exploded for 195 receiving yards and two touchdowns, an overwhelming individual display that saw him single-handedly outgain and outscore the entire Giants team on Monday night. Highlighted by a spectacular leaping 31-yard touchdown catch, Adams locked into an immediate rhythm with Stafford.

The Rams' passing game operated with relentless verticality despite star receiver Puka Nacua missing the contest due to injury. Adams’ ability to dictate safety leverage cleared open lanes, giving Stafford clean looks across all three field tiers. Running back Blake Corum offered complementary balance, building on his 5.4 yards per carry efficiency from Week 1 to keep New York's pass rush honest.

**Stat of the Night:** Davante Adams (195 receiving yards, 2 TDs) individually accumulated more yardage and points than the entire New York Giants offense (6 points) during Los Angeles' Week 2 victory.

## Donald’s Re-Debut and Defensive Disruption

The night was equally significant on the defensive side of the ball, marked by the return of legendary defensive end Aaron Donald. Making his re-debut with the Rams following a brief retirement, Donald’s physical presence immediately altered New York's protection schemes. Even as young edge rusher Josaiah Stewart was called upon to handle amplified snaps with Myles Garrett on Injured Reserve, Donald’s gravitational pull drew constant attention, unlocking single-coverage opportunities for the surrounding front seven.

The physical tone was established from the opening series when Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was crushed by two Rams defenders on New York’s first drive, forcing Dart out of the game with an injury. Los Angeles never relinquished control afterward. Cornerback Trent McDuffie added a defensive milestone of his own, snaring his first interception as a Ram with precision. New York was held without a touchdown, managed only six points, and spent the evening searching for answers against a secondary that tightly contested every intermediate route.

Following the 28-6 victory, McVay handed out game balls in an energized locker room, praising Donald's inspirational impact while acknowledging the squad's resilience after early-season travel hurdles. Stafford also took time postgame to share words with young quarterback Jaxson Dart, capping off a night that combined historic milestones with a bounce-back win for Los Angeles.

## Evidence-Led Forecast: Road Tests at Denver and Philadelphia

**Tactical Pattern:** Heading into Week 3 at the Denver Broncos before a Week 4 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams will rely heavily on quick-release play-action concepts built off Stafford-to-Adams timing. With Aaron Donald re-establishing interior push, defensive schemes will tilt toward pressure-free four-man rushes, allowing Trent McDuffie and the secondary to play aggressive press coverage on the perimeter.

**Decisive Matchup:** Adams vs. Opposing Primary Corners. If Adams continues to command heavy targets while maintaining high yards-per-route metrics, defenses cannot stack the box against Corum. Conversely, perimeter corners who can isolate Adams without safety help will force Stafford to scan deeper progressions while Nacua works his way back to full health.

**Strongest Counter-Case:** Blitz pickup and offensive line protection away from SoFi Stadium. Hostile road environments in Denver and Philadelphia test pre-snap protection calls. If heavy pressure forces Stafford off his spot before routes develop, the high-flying vertical game could slow down.

**What Would Change the Read:** The quick return of Puka Nacua to restore dual-threat receiving balance, alongside Myles Garrett’s eventual timeline off Injured Reserve. If Donald’s snap count scales up smoothly without setback, Los Angeles projects as a formidable force in the NFC West picture.

## Sources

- [nfl.cz](https://nfl.cz/nfl/preview-rams-eagles/) — original
- [therams.com](https://www.therams.com/news/) — original
- [theramswire.usatoday.com](https://theramswire.usatoday.com/) — original
- [nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/teams/los-angeles-rams/) — original