“They’re an aggressive team,” Stafford said. “I think their defensive coordinator does a nice job bringing different blitz packages. It was kind of one of those games, like a little bit of tough, tough game to kind of throw and catch with the ball and just the way the field was going. So they were playing sticky coverage a lot and and bringing some pressure. So hats off to them. They’re an aggressive-style defense, they’re really good front. Bunch of first round picks all over that all over that front. I thought most part our guys did a really nice job of just battling.”
Stafford and play-calling head coach Sean McVay established an early rhythm for the offense by involving the tight ends early and often.Through the Rams’ second offensive series, Davis Allen, Tyler Higbee (three) and Colby Parkinson each had one reception; Ferguson’s 31-yarder off play-action was the highlight of it.
Once inside the Jaguars’ 10, the Rams’ wide receivers were the biggest beneficiaries, as Stafford connected with Davante Adams for three touchdowns and got Konata Mumpfield the first of his career.
Those were all the short touchdown throws in the tight red area, where head coach Sean McVay said Stafford was “excellent.”
“Matthew was outstanding,” McVay said. “I thought he orchestrated just great offensive drives. Thought he had some really good throws on some third downs where we didn’t come down with it, but he was in total command. He took great care of the football, and that’s been really consistent for the year.”
Stafford’s five touchdown passes Sunday also marked an international game record, which a reporter joked they didn’t know if they were going to knight Stafford for it.
“Do I get a sword or something?” Stafford joked.
He probably won’t get that or knighthood for his efforts Sunday. But if he keeps performances like that up, he’ll remain in the conversation for one of the NFL’s most prestigious awards.