Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Rams QB Matthew Stafford makes odd NFL history in win over Saints

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/22/23

After another convincing performance in a 30-22 win over the New Orleans Saints on "Thursday Night Football," Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford made some unique NFL history.

Stafford threw for 328 yards in the victory but connected with only four different receivers. According to OptaStats, he's the first QB since Jim Kelly for the Buffalo Bills in 1992 to throw for over 300 yards while targeting no more than four receivers in a game.

Matthew Stafford of the @RamsNFL is the first NFL QB to throw for 300+ yards in a game while targeting no more than 4 receivers since Buffalo's Jim Kelly on September 27, 1992.

Kelly threw for 308 while targeting only Andre Reed, James Lofton, Thurman Thomas & Steve Tasker. pic.twitter.com/IasS0gCxdB
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 22, 2023

He may not have spread the ball around, but Stafford made the passes he threw count against the Saints. While tight end Tyler Higbee (three catches, 30 yards) and explosive wideout Cooper Kupp (six catches, 52 yards) had respectable outings, receivers Demarcus Robinson and Puka Nacua took the top of the New Orleans' defense.

Robinson found the end zone for the fourth week in a row, recording six catches for 82 yards (13.7 YPC). Meanwhile, Nacua had a night to remember, finishing with nine catches for 164 yards (18.2 YPC) and a score.

All in all, Stafford had an extremely efficient game. Along with his 328 yards through the air, he completed 24-of-34 pass attempts (9.6 YPC) with two TDS.

The 8-7 Rams are squarely in the NFC playoff race, thanks mainly to Stafford and the offense's turnaround. Through Week 10, they were scoring only 19 points per game. The offense is averaging 30 points and 406 yards of total offense since Week 11.

Unsurprisingly, Stafford's numbers reflect the team's improvement. Following the Rams' Week 10 bye, they were 3-6, and their QB had nearly as many interceptions (7) as touchdowns (8). However, Stafford has rounded back into form, throwing 15 TDs with only two interceptions over the last six games.

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