The Los Angeles Rams delivered a commanding performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, securing a decisive 35-7 win. From the opening whistle, the Rams established control, forcing the Jaguars into three-and-outs on their initial two drives and responding with touchdowns on their first two possessions. In a flash, the Rams were ahead by two scores, a margin they maintained throughout the game.
Matthew Stafford had a standout game, completing 21 of 33 passes for 182 yards and an impressive five touchdowns against a Jaguars pass defense known for its strength. This marked the first time in the history of the NFL international series that a quarterback threw five touchdown passes in a single game. It was also Stafford’s first five-touchdown game since 2015. His targets were diverse, as he completed passes to 10 different receivers during the match.
Davante Adams was the star of the day, catching three of Stafford's touchdown passes. Each of these scores featured remarkable grabs, showcasing Adams’ ability to leap and snatch the ball in the back of the end zone. The remaining two touchdowns were credited to rookies, with Konata Mumpfield and Terrance Ferguson each making significant contributions to the scoreboard.
The Jaguars faced a slew of challenges, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was sacked seven times during the game. The team also committed a staggering 13 penalties for 119 yards, in addition to two others that were declined. Among these infractions was a critical block-in-the-back penalty that nullified a 62-yard punt return touchdown by Parker Washington. The Jaguars' issues with pre-snap penalties persisted, reflecting a troubling trend throughout their season.
The Rams' defense played a pivotal role in the victory, limiting the Jaguars to just 3 for 15 on third downs and allowing only two conversions on six fourth-down attempts. The Jaguars were held scoreless on their two trips into the red zone, and their only touchdown came from a 33-yard pass from Lawrence to rookie Travis Hunter, marking Hunter's first career touchdown.
With this blowout victory, the Rams improved to 5-2, positioning themselves at the top of the NFC West as they head into their bye week. The Jaguars, now at 4-3, find themselves lagging behind the first-place Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South.
The connection between Stafford and Adams was a focal point of the Rams’ offensive strategy. Stafford targeted Adams eight times, resulting in five catches for 35 yards and three touchdowns. Adams consistently outmatched his defenders, especially in one-on-one situations, demonstrating his elite receiving skills and creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs.
Jacksonville's penalties were detrimental to their chances of success. With a total of 13 penalties accepted and two declined, they lost 119 yards due to these infractions. This lack of discipline not only negated significant plays but also hindered their offensive flow, as they struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game.
Despite the Jaguars' overall struggles, rookie Travis Hunter emerged as a bright spot. He played predominantly as a wide receiver, finishing the game with eight receptions for 101 yards, including his first career touchdown. Hunter's versatility was on display as he also contributed on defense with a crucial pass breakup, showcasing his skills on both sides of the ball.
As the Rams prepare for their upcoming bye week, they will aim to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Jaguars must address their penalties and overall execution to remain competitive in the AFC South. With both teams heading into bye weeks, adjustments will be critical for their respective futures this season.
