Matthew Stafford threw two first-half interceptions to Jimmie Ward on Monday night. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: 49ers' Jimmie Ward intercepts Matthew Stafford twice in first quarter

By Adam Stites | Last updated 11/15/21

The Los Angeles Rams stumbled out of the gates in their Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was intercepted by 49ers safety Jimmie Ward on both of the Rams' first-quarter possessions with the latter pick returned for a touchdown.

Stafford's first interception was a deep shot in the direction of newly acquired wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. However, the former Cleveland Browns receiver had no shot.

Jimmie Ward intercepts the deep pass for the @49ers defense! #FTTB

: #LARvsSF on ESPN
: https://t.co/Pbh7qEl7Sy pic.twitter.com/gTDh4f2LGu
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2021

The 49ers took over on their own seven-yard line following the interception and marched down the field on an 18-play, 93-yard touchdown drive. The following possession went even worse for the Rams when a pass from Stafford bounced off the hands of tight end Tyler Higbee and right into the waiting arms of Ward.

PICK-6! JIMMIE WARD'S SECOND INT.@49ers lead 14-0 in the first quarter.

: #LARvsSF on ESPN
: https://t.co/Pbh7qEl7Sy pic.twitter.com/6g3frhCZRB
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2021

Los Angeles finally got on track on its third possession. Stafford led the Rams down the field on a seven-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Higbee.

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