Rams Roll Past Giants 28–6: Stafford and Adams Shine and Jaxson Dart Gets Injured

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The Los Angeles Rams (1-1) bounced back in dominant fashion on Monday Night Football, dismantling the New York Giants 28–6 at SoFi Stadium. While Los Angeles showcased offensive fireworks and an emotional defensive homecoming, New York (1-1) left Inglewood facing a full-blown injury crisis centered on starting quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Stafford Historic, Adams Unstoppable

Matthew Stafford delivered a clinical passing performance, finishing 22-31 for 327 yards with four touchdown passes to lead the Rams’ attack. With his second scoring strike of the night, Stafford officially surpassed Philip Rivers for sole possession of sixth place on the NFL’s all-time passing touchdowns list.

Stafford’s primary engine was wideout Davante Adams (8 catches, 195 yds, 2 TDs), who proved unguardable all evening. Adams repeatedly beat New York’s single coverage, hauling in two of Stafford’s four touchdown passes and consistently moving the chains to keep the Giants’ defense on the field.

That’s a baaaaaad man. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/57JOyvvjxr

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 22, 2026

Aaron Donald’s Return Boosts the Front Seven

The SoFi Stadium crowd was electrified by the return of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Suiting up for the first time in nearly 1,000 days after coming out of retirement, Donald played on a managed rotation of roughly 20 to 30 snaps. His interior pass-rushing presence immediately elevated the Rams’ defensive front, drawing double teams and freeing up Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske to collapse the pocket. The Rams’ defense held New York without a touchdown, limiting the Giants to two field goals.

Jaxson Dart Injury and the Giants’ Nightmare Scenario

New York’s night turned catastrophic on its opening drive. On the seventh play from scrimmage, sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart was hit by two Rams defenders while delivering an incomplete pass and immediately clutched his knee in visible pain. Dart walked off under his own power but was eventually ruled out. Initial exams indicate a sprained MCL, with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday to determine the full extent of the damage. Dart joins the list of injuries to QBs across the NFL.

Without Dart—who had recorded three touchdowns and 280 total yards in Week 1—the Giants’ offense collapsed:

Backup Struggles: Jameis Winston took over in relief, struggling to generate rhythm while going 11-of-27 for 111 yards and an interception.
Compounding Injuries: Outside linebacker Brian Burns exited with a low ankle sprain, left tackle Andrew Thomas suffered a groin injury and did not finish, and star wideout Malik Nabers briefly left with a shoulder scare before returning.

How Bad It Can Get for New York

The outlook for New York could deteriorate rapidly heading into a short-week turnaround against the Tennessee Titans. If Dart is sidelined for multiple weeks, the Giants are forced to rely on a volatile Winston behind an offensive line missing its premier pass-protector in Andrew Thomas. Losing their primary playmaker and defensive anchor on the same night threatens to stall New York’s early-season momentum before October even begins.