Matthew Stafford breaks Rams franchise record for touchdown passes

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Matthew Stafford added another milestone to his NFL career on Sunday, throwing his 155th touchdown pass for the Los Angeles Rams to break the franchise record.

Stafford surpassed Roman Gabriel, who threw 154 TD passes for the Rams from 1962-72.

He broke the record with an 11-yard strike to Puka Nacua in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders, his third TD toss in the first half of a 35-21 win.

“I’m just super appreciative of all the guys that have helped me do that,” Stafford said. “Catching touchdowns and throwing touchdowns isn’t a one-man job. It takes a lot of people to block and get open and coaches who draw plays.”

Stafford threw a league-leading and career-best 46 touchdown passes last season and won his first MVP award. The 18-year veteran had 282 TD passes in 12 seasons with Detroit — also a franchise record — before he was traded to Los Angeles.

He ranks sixth in NFL TD passes with 437 and trails only Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers (540) among active players.

Stafford is the only player to hold the passing-TD mark for two teams.

“My name is in there, but shoot, so many coaches, players, teammates just have so much to do with that,” Stafford said. “And so I appreciate all those guys. It’s been a heck of a ride.”

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