Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was nothing short of spectacular during the team’s 34-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3.
The NFL’s Game of the Week was billed as a potential shootout between Stafford and quarterback Tom Brady. Even though things got off to a slow start for both offenses, it was only a matter of time before head coach Sean McVay started to find his rhythm while getting wide receiver DeSean Jackson involved in the offense.
The Rams’ began the second half with the ball and a 14-7 lead over the Bucs. It took less than a minute for them to extend their lead after Stafford connected with Jackson on a 75-yard touchdown.
The big play was met with an eruption from the crowd as they nearly blew the top off SoFi Stadium in celebration. Stafford admits that the ensuing noise that was generated was a major momentum shift for them.
“It’s great. I wish it would have swelled up on the first two. Help me out. I left a couple short to DJack (DeSean Jackson) today. But I was happy for him. He did a great job, getting behind the defense a couple times today. You know, I missed him on a couple so I was glad to make one of them count. It was a big play for us. Instead of going three and out right there, get a long touchdown and put a little wind in the sail so it was great.”
The long touchdown was not only celebrated by the fans, but also McVay as he met Jackson and other players in the end zone to celebrate. Stafford added that McVay’s celebrations on the sidelines did not go unnoticed.
“Yeah, at some point, I saw him. He was going crazy which was awesome. It was a lot of fun to play. We had kind of talked about earlier in the week, you know, possibly getting a chance to get DJack (DeSean Jackson) down the field on that one. I’m glad he went to it and then we were able to execute.”
McVay’s excitement is certainly understandable since he had been adamant about getting Jackson more involved in the offense following a quiet start to the 2021 NFL season. The result was the veteran speedster finishing with three receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Jackson himself had envisioned a deep connection with Stafford upon his arrival in free agency during the offseason. The fact that they were finally able to make it come to fruition is an encouraging sign of what is to come for this group.
