Last week, I boldly predicted the defense was going to stand up and shut down the Seattle Seahawks. That did not happen. The Los Angeles Rams did keep them to 16 points, which for the first time this season, was not enough.
This Sunday, the Rams travel to Jacksonville to face-off with a team with an offense quite the opposite from Seattle’s. Simply put: the Jaguars lead the league in rushing with 826 yards and are 29th in passing with 798 yards.
Here’s a not-so-bold take: QB Blake Bortles should be a backup. And if the Rams are going to stop the Jags, it’ll be by stacking the box and stopping the run.
I feel like this is the most intriguing/dangerous opponent the Rams are going to face all year. In their three wins, they’ve destroyed the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet, they lost to the Titans at home and the New York Jets on the road. Pardon me if I’m finding it difficult to be bold. Just who are these guys? However, I will pound my coffee and crack my knuckles.
Let’s get bold.
The Rams will keep feeding Tavon Austin in the backfield, resulting in 2 touchdowns
In the week 2 loss to the Titans, the Jags gave up 3 touchdowns to 3 different rushers. The former Rams punt returner will continue to complement RB Todd Gurley’s run game, this time sneaking into the end zone twice.
Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, and Ethan Westbrooks will contain Fournette
RB Leonard Fournette will get a touchdown, but not much else as the Rams will keep him under 50 yards. This is a big ask, but it’s possible if you’re bold. I really like how the defensive line was playing last week. Now with a significant challenge, the Rams rushing defense can stack the box, well aware that if the Jags are going to be successful, Leonard Fournette will have to get past Aaron Donald. I’m gonna side with Donald and company.
150+ rushing yards and 1 TD for RB Todd Gurley
What will be the major factor in the Rams’ success over the Jaguars? Gurl Power. The first two quarters will all rushing, all the time, taking advantage of the weak Jacksonville run defense.
Trumaine Johnson will have his best game of the year, grabbing 2 INTs
Tru hasn’t been the news lately, but I think the franchise tagged player will leap into the spotlight this week with some strong play against the weak Jags passing attack. For this to happen, the Rams will have to eventually get a lead, forcing Blake Bortles to throw, which is exactly what Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips wants.
WR Sammy Watkins will catch a specular deep ball to seal the game
Once Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin run to ball enough, the passing game will open up in the fourth quarter, allowing QB Jared Goff to throw it deep, finally connecting with the recently chatty Sammy Watkins for a touchdown.
This is going to be a hard fought game that will be blown open in the second half. It will be a cathartic win for the Rams that will be exactly what they need.
Rams win, 30-10