Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams adjusts a play against the Houston Texans.
The Los Angeles Rams are 1-0 on the 2025 season, capping a historic day for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who offered strong thoughts on wide receiver Davante Adams in the immediate aftermath of the 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans.
Adams finished with four receptions for 50 yards in his first game action with Stafford, helping to secure to opening-week win.
According to Stafford, he and Adams are just scratching the surface as a duo for the Rams.
Matthew Stafford Praises Davante Adams After Beating Texans
Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDavante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a catch against the Houston Texans.
Adams and Stafford did not play in the preseason, so the win over the Texans was the Rams’ dynamic duo’s first time on the field together in a game. They had shown an early chemistry during their time on the practice field, though, and Adams caught Stafford’s historic pass.
Sunday was a glimpse into what is to come, per Stafford.
“It was great. As I was talking to him at the end of the game, I was like, ‘Man, we’re only going to get better,’” Stafford told CBS Sports’ Melanie Collins on September 7. “We’re just continuing to stack. He made some unbelievable catches today, made some big third-down conversions for us. So, he’s a heck of a player. We’re lucky to have him. Just happy that we got the win with some good stuff going on.”
Stafford offered similar sentiments during his postgame press conference.
Stafford completed 72.4% of his passes for 245 yards and 1 touchdown, with 0 interceptions in the contest.
Adams was second on the Rams in receptions and receiving yards, finishing behind Puka Nacua, who logged a 10-catch, 131-yard day with Stafford playing well against the Texans and also overcame a hit to the head that left him bloodied.
Matthew Stafford Reflects Fondly After Passing Milestone
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Houston Texans.
Stafford became the 10th quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 60,000 yards in their career, per The Athletic’s Nate Atkins on X on September 7.
He tied Matt Ryan as the second-youngest to accomplish the feat.
“A lot of memories,” Stafford said. “A lot of good ones. I’ve been blessed to play with a bunch of special players, for a bunch of great coaches, and just love competing. Love doing this. But today’s no different. Sown the wire, like they all are in the NFL, and just happy to get the win along with it.”
Stafford and the Rams will take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. The Titans suffered a 20-12 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 1 and have rookie No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at QB.
Matthew Stafford Gets Honest About Rams’ Week 1 Hero
Nate Landman, Los Angeles Rams
GettyNate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after facing the Houston Texans.
For all of the attention Stafford has and will receive after this game, the Rams were victorious thanks to a timely play from new linebacker Nate Landman, who forced the game-sealing fumble by Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale that LA’s Braden Fiske recovered.
Stafford expressed his gratitude for the play and having Landman on the Rams.
“Oh man, I’ve seen it all training camp. All he does is just freaking punch it out. So, I was so happy for him,” Stafford said. “He called his shot on Friday in the team meeting and said, ‘I’m gonna get one out.’ And shoot, we needed it when he did it, and hell of a play. He’s a great guy, a great teammate. He just jumped in, immersed himself into this team. He’s a leader. We’re happy to have him.”
The Rams have historically undervalued the off-ball linebacker position, but perhaps Landman’s play and Stafford’s reaction will help switch that trend around.