Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams make NFL history in Rams’ blowout win over Giants

Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams did not merely help the Los Angeles Rams earn their first victory of the season Monday night. They continued climbing two of the NFL's most exclusive career lists.

Stafford passed Philip Rivers for sixth place in league history in career touchdown passes, while Adams moved within two receiving touchdowns of Larry Fitzgerald as the Rams defeated the New York Giants 28-6 at SoFi Stadium.

Stafford completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. It was the 22nd game of his career with at least four touchdown passes. Adams caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns despite receiving added attention with Puka Nacua unavailable because of a hip and groin injury.

The performance was exactly what Los Angeles needed after opening its season with a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.

Stafford and Adams take over without Nacua

The Rams entered Monday night without Nacua or Jordan Whittington , leaving Adams as the obvious focal point of the passing game. The Giants still could not stop him.

Stafford connected with Adams for a 31-yard touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The two veterans struck again on an 11-yard score during the third quarter, giving Adams 119 career receiving touchdowns. Fitzgerald ranks sixth in NFL history with 121. Adams is now positioned to pass one of the greatest receivers ever if he maintains his early-season pace.

Stafford's four touchdown passes increased his career total to 427. He entered the game tied with Rivers at 425 before moving ahead of him.

Kyren Williams and rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson caught Stafford's other two touchdown passes. Los Angeles finished with 439 total yards despite the absence of its leading receiver from last season. Adams accounted for nearly 60 percent of Stafford's passing yardage.

Rams face quick turnaround before Week 3 test

The Rams will have little time to enjoy their first win. Los Angeles travels to Denver for a Sunday night matchup against the Broncos in Week 3. Nacua's availability will be one of the most important developments to monitor throughout the week.

His return would give Stafford two elite targets against a Denver defense that is far more dangerous than the depleted unit Los Angeles faced Monday. The Rams also will want to clean up their two turnovers. Jevon Holland intercepted Stafford and forced a Williams fumble, creating New York's only meaningful opportunities.

The mistakes did not affect the result against the Giants. They could prove much more costly against a stronger opponent.

Still, Monday's performance showed why the Rams remain a legitimate NFC contender. Stafford can continue producing at an elite level, Adams remains capable of taking over a game and Sean McVay's offense can adapt when an important player is unavailable.

Los Angeles entered Monday night needing a response after an ugly opener. Stafford and Adams provided a historic one.