Los Angeles - 34, Chicago - 14
Q. (Question concerning the game and the win of the game.)
MATTHEW STAFFORD: It was awesome. You know, it was a complete team win. Obviously, our defense did a great job getting the ball back for us three or four times for us, it felt like. Good job on fourth down a couple times turning the ball over.
As an offense, it was tough kind of to get into a rhythm the first half. We only had four possessions. But we were explosive on some of those.
You know, Sean dialed it up great and our guys went out and executed. A lot to learn. Some good to take away from it and keep building on it. Obviously, some plays we'd love to have back.
Q. Would you mind breaking down the first two air explosives to Van Jefferson, Cooper Kupp?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: You know, just a play action to Van. He did a great job of getting behind the defense. A great job on that one. And I was able to shoot that one down to the field to him. He did a great job getting up and scoring. Always fun.
And the second one to Cooper, that was a great call by Sean. Perfect coverage for the play. Our guys upfront, did a great job.
It takes time for guys to get down the field. Cooper did a great job, again, just getting behind the defense and I was able to get it out there to a decent spot for him.
Q. (Question concerning spreading the ball to multiple players.)
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, that's -- I think that's when we're going to be at our best, when everyone gets involved in the game.
I'm not sure how many different guys had catches, but it felt like a bunch. You know, those guys are talented playmakers.
I'll do it a different way. So I'm trying to do everything I can to make sure those guys are able to show their abilities and go out there and play.
Q. Why did you wear the sweater tonight?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Kelly told me to wear it, so I'm wearing it.
Q. How does it feel being out after the trade happened? What was it like?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, I mean, a lot of anticipation for this game. You know, for me, you know, it's a new experience for me. A new place, new stadium, new fans. The whole deal.
But this team has embraced me and I really appreciate that. You know, I've done everything I can to try to, you know, just work as hard as I can and get myself in this team.
And they wrapped their arms around me and it felt good to go out there and play with them tonight. Such incredible players on this team. I'm lucky to be a part of it.
You know, I want to do everything I can to try and lead this team. It's where we want to go. Obviously, this is just one. Gotta keep building on this. But it felt great to get out there and go play.
Q. Sort of a follow-up to that. You've been with the other organization your entire career. That sort of felt like the comfortable old shoes. When you're traded when you're a veteran like you are and played so many years, how difficult is it or is it difficult to get into a new system with a new team? Or have you just experienced so much in your career, it's not difficult?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: No, it's tough. It's a lot of work for me and a lot of work from everybody. You know, Sean's put in a ton of hours with me. Kevin O'Connell has put in a ton of hours with me. Our offense has put in a ton of hours trying to bring me up to speed.
You know, I'm the new guy in a system where everyone kind of knows what's going on. So I just appreciate all the hard work and the patience they've had with me to get me to this point.
And I'm trying to go out there and grasp it and lead us into the right direction. Yeah, I mean, once the ball is snapped, it's football.
You know, there's new plays in a new stadium, throwing to guys in a different uniform. But I'm happy where I'm at. And, you know, I'm pleased with how it went tonight.
Q. There was no panic when the touchdown was called back and Henderson ran it. Are you guys just gaining that confidence in the red zone this early?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, obviously, we didn't come away with the points -- the touchdown on one. I felt like we should have. I felt like that was on me.
I wish I could have gave Robert a better ball, the second or third drive, whichever one it was. But, yeah, Cooper didn't score on the one.
And it was great to see the guys upfront just push the line of scrimmage and let him walk in. I thought it was great on that play.
Really, late in the fourth quarter, just being able to run the clock out. I mean, we were running the ball. Cooper had a huge third down and 13 conversion on just a bubble behind the line of scrimmage. And our guys outside blocked for him.
So it's fun to be a part of those drives where you're winning the game and, you know, you're able to put kind of put the finishing touches on it.
Q. After the touchdown, you kind of had a strut, a high-step down the field. What was the atmosphere like? What were you feeling?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I was feeling good (smiling.) You know, that's a pretty good start. So, you know, I was happy for our team, happy for Van.
You know, he's had a great offseason, a great lead up to the season. And, you know, to catch it, fall down, get back up and get in the end zone, you know, that's a huge play.
And especially right after our defense got us a turnover. And that was -- big play, after big play is a lot of fun to be a part of. I don't know, man, I was jacked up and having fun out there.
Q. (Question concerning being knocked down.)
MATTHEW STAFFORD: No, I mean I got hit a little bit late. I didn't know there was a penalty until 10 minutes later.
But I got hit and kind of rolled over, tried to get up as fast as I can. And then I saw him trotting in the end zone. I figured it was in a good spot. But I didn't get to see it all the way, but it seemed like it was a good one.
Q. After that first touchdown when you were strutting, Jalen Ramsey was one of the first teammates around you. Did you notice that? I know you mentioned during the week, you know, that you guys stress each other out, like, the defense. How was that?
MATTHEW STAFFORD: Yeah, I noticed it. It was awesome. You know, he's a great teammate. He's a guy that pushes me and pushes our entire receiving core.
Everybody's he's guarding, that's as good as a match up you're going to get in this league and we get to see every single day.
I tell those guys all the time, this is as good a practice I've been a part of. We've got extremely talented guys on both sides of the ball.
And it's exciting to go out there and compete. And, you know, at the end of the day, if we get the best of them one day, they're talking about, Man, they're on our team. And if they get the best of us one day, we're going, Shoot, I love having that defense on our team.
So it was cool for him to be out there celebrating with me. I was having fun. He seemed like he was having a good time, too.
Q. (No microphone.)
MATTHEW STAFFORD: I did. It's awesome. It means a lot. I was in a place for a long time. And, you know, getting to a new place and being able to come out, you know, week one, night one, and get a win and play the way we did, it feels good. A lot of work to be done. But it's definitely a good start. Thank you, guys.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports