Matthew Stafford was not going to be deterred.

Bad back?

No problem, apparently.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Stafford said last week as the Rams prepared for Sunday’s season opener against the Houston Texans. “I’m playing like I always play.”

Stafford started slow but the 17th-year pro played well enough and etched his name further into the NFL record book as the Rams hung on to defeat the Texans 14-9 before 71,346 at SoFi Stadium.

Stafford passed for 245 yards and a touchdown.

He was not at his absolute best. But after sitting out all of training camp and several weeks of preseason practices, his ability to start and finish the game was a victory unto itself.

Running back Kyren Williams rushed for a touchdown and tight end Davis Allen caught a touchdown pass for an offense that sa

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