Los Angeles Rams vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Report Card Shows Some Positives

Quarterbacks

Jared Goff was not asked to do too much, which was probably a good idea considering the strength of the Jaguars defense being their secondary. Still, outside of one pass that could have ended in an INT, Goff was sharp, decisive, and accurate. He only had 120-yards and one TD.

Running Backs

Todd Gurley: another game, another 100-yard performance. Gurley was running with power and vision the entire game, and was churning five yard gains on what seemed like every single run. Gurley could have had closer to 150-yards had some flags not been thrown. Excellent performance from the Rams featured guy.

Wide Receivers

Robert Woods was by far the most productive guy in the receiver room with his five receptions for 70-yards. Cooper Kupp had some crucial catches chipping in another 35-yards. It was good to see Goff target Sammy on a few passes, though they really need to get their connection down.

Tight Ends

The tight ends practically did nothing but run block all game, though Gerald Everett did register a reception which went for his first NFL TD. Higbee also chipped in a reception.

Offensive Line

A hell of a performance from the big boys up front. Sure, looking at the numbers Jared Goff was sacked three times, even though he was given ample time on his few pass attempts. Also, and most importantly, the Rams running game averaged a strong 4.4 yards per carry, and had a strong four minute offense to essentially close out the game.

Defensive Line

The defensive line had quite a solid day at the office, with Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, and Morgan Fox all registering one sack a piece. Fox and Donald’s sacks were strip sacks. Donald, like usual, lived in the Jaguars backfield and wreaked havoc all game, particularly in the pass game.

Linebackers

For a group that has seemingly struggled this season, they did a better job today - though it was still feast or famine. Outside a huge 75-yard TD run on the opening play, they excelled in bottling up Leonard Fournette for the remainder of the game. Connor Barwin and Mark Barron both chipped in with one sack a piece.

Defensive Backs

Outside of a few passes to Marqise Lee, the DB’s didn’t really allow much to happen. First, they allowed no huge plays, and no WR’s worked their way over the top of the defense. The rookie John Johnson III had a big hit early in the game on Marcedes Lewis. Kayvon Webster put on a clinic with impressive tackling ability, and Trumaine Johnson had the job of containing the Jaguars most productive WR - Marqise Lee.

Special Teams

Anytime you score two ST’s TD’s, you deserve the best grade. Pharoh Cooper opened the game with a kickoff return for a TD. The punt return team chipped in a block punt (Cory Littleton) which was scooped and returned by Malcolm Brown. Johnny Hekker averaged 46.0-yards per punt, and Greg Zuerlein was perfect on his two FG attempts, one of which was a 56-yarder.

Coaching

I was much more impressed with the coaching staff today. On the offense, Sean McVay gave the ball to Todd Gurley early and often, establishing a strong running game throughout the game. Outside of a major blunder on the first snap from scrimmage, Wade Phillips had the defense bottle up one of the league’s most dangerous RB’s in Leonard Fournette. Lastly, Coach Bones had his entire ST’s group perform excellently.