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          Matthew Stafford starts Rams career with two long touchdown passes

          • Lindsey Thiry, ESPNSep 12, 2021, 08:44 PM ET
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              Lindsey Thiry is a national NFL reporter for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2018 to cover the Los Angeles Rams after two years of covering them for the Los Angeles Times, and has also covered the Chargers for ESPN. She previously covered the Atlanta Falcons. You can follow her on Twitter/X @LindseyThiry.

          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.

          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.

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