The Los Angeles Rams picked up a much-needed win over the New England Patriots in Week 11 behind Matthew Stafford’s four touchdown passes.
The 16-year veteran threw a pair of touchdowns to Cooper Kupp, one to Puka Nacua and another to Colby Parkinson to not only help the Rams get back to .500, but also keep their playoff hopes alive.
In doing so, Stafford leapfrogged New York Giants legend Eli Manning for 10th all-time on the NFL’s career passing touchdowns list with 370.
Stafford discussed the accomplishment and said he is honored to be mentioned with some of the greatest players in NFL history, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk:
“[M]oving up the list, it’s humbling,” Stafford said after the game. “It is every week, obviously, if something happens. It’s a really cool thing to be a part of.
“I love this game, love the history of it, have so much appreciation for the guys that came before me and really the guys that are coming after me. So, just a humbling thing.”
Stafford is now 11 touchdown passes away from catching Matt Ryan for ninth on the all-time list. With seven games remaining on the Rams’ schedule, he has a realistic shot of doing so this year.
Stafford previously surpassed Manning for 10th all-time in passing yards this season and also moved past Drew Brees for fifth all-time in fourth-quarter comebacks.
Stafford got off to a slow start this year but has looked more like his usual self in recent weeks with the returns of Kupp and Nacua.
Through 10 games, Stafford has completed 66.5% of his passes for 2,557 yards and 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
Rob Havenstein could return to Rams in Week 12
The Rams have been without starting right tackle Rob Havenstein for two consecutive games, but that could change when they host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.
Head coach Sean McVay said the veteran is making progress from an ankle injury and has a chance to play on Sunday night.
Havenstein is the leader of the offensive line and has appeared in seven of the team’s 10 games this year. He previously missed the season opener against the Detroit Lions due to an ankle injury as well.
If Havenstein is able to play on Sunday, the Rams’ offensive line would be at full strength for the first time this season. Steve Avila was recently reinstated from injured reserve, joining Alaric Jackson and Kevin Dotson as key holdovers from last year.
