LA Rams Dominate Jaguars to End Skid 37–7

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (12) catches a touchdown in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Nevin Lawson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2021. Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

The Los Angeles Rams (8–4) had not lost more than three games consecutively in five years under head coach Sean McVay; they returned to form with a relatively easy win, 37–7, Sunday over the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars (2–10).

Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw three touchdowns, completing 26–38 passes for 295 yards.

WR Cooper Kupp reached a milestone of 100 receptions for the season on his eighth catch of the day, tallying 129 yards and a touchdown.

Former Rams Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt are the only other receivers to reach that franchise mark; Bruce leads the record with 119 catches from 1995.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (R) celebrates his touchdown catch with quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2021. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

Rams RB Sony Michel led the team in rushing with 24 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown.

“It feels great to win and get out of that losing streak,” said defensive lineman Greg Gaines, who had four tackles. “We played the first complete game, I think all season.”

“We had special teams rolling, offense rolling, defense was doing its job,” he added. “It was awesome, it was great!”

The Rams out-gained the Jaguars in total yards 418–197 and controlled time of possession 33:45 to 26:15.

“The key is just not to get frustrated,” added Gaines. “We know that we’re a good team and we could do well.”

“It’s just putting those pieces together and I think we just have to keep that mentality that we just keep doing our thing, and do what we’re supposed to do, and it’s gonna happen; It’s gonna work out.”

For the Jaguars, rookie QB Trevor Lawrence completed 16–28 passes for 145 yards.

Jaguars RB Carlos Hyde scored their only touchdown with a one-yard carry early in the second quarter, 13:23, to shrink the Rams early lead to 10–7.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws over Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) during the first half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2021. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

The Rams began the game with Brandon Powell returning the opening kick-off for 65 yards; the drive stalled and they settled for a 40-yard field goal from Matt Gay.

They would quickly regain possession with Aaron Donald forcing a Jaguars’ fumble at their 34 yard-line; it was recovered by Rams Jalen Ramsey. With a short field, the Rams marched 27 yards for a Michel 5-yard rush for a touchdown. 

L.A. added two field goals, at 7:41 and 19 seconds remaining in the 2nd quarter, for a 16–7 half-time lead.

The Rams would then score three touchdowns on consecutive drives of 85, 62, and 55 yards in the second half. The third quarter saw Kupp catching a 29-yard touchdown pass at 11:43, and Van Jefferson also caught a short touchdown at 3:27.

Stafford was hit hard and laid on the ground for a while recovering from getting “the wind knocked out” of him. He recuperated and immediately responded with a big second half. He avoided throwing any interceptions on the day, stopping a three-game losing streak that included a “pick-six” in each loss.

After another Jaguars fumble, Odell Beckham Jr. caught a 1-yard TD pass that capped off a 55-yard drive early in the fourth quarter, finalizing the score 37–7. He scored his second touchdown in two games.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) celebrates his touchdown catch with Cooper Kupp during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Mark J. Terrillin, in Inglewood, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2021. Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

Mid-season acquisitions, superstars Beckham and linebacker Von Miller, seem to be assimilating to the Rams system after a few weeks to make solid contributions.

Von Miller had just one tackle for a loss; while pressuring Lawrence, he was occupying much attention from the Jaguars with double-team blocking, freeing up his teammates.

The Rams next face a tough five-game stint to end the regular season, beginning at Arizona on Monday Night Football, Dec. 13.

The Jaguars are away at division leader Tennessee next Sunday.