2017-Present - McVay's run

2017 Week 6: Five observations of the L.A. Rams’ defensive encounter against the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Los Angeles Rams advanced to 4-2 on the season with a 27-17 win on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Other than surrendering a 75-yard run to rookie RB Leonard Fournette, the Rams’ defense won the game.

1. Not a pretty win

Let’s be honest, the Rams had a rough game. The Jaguars field a decent team with an elite secondary. Many experts predicted a close game, and the results confirmed that with a narrower than the final score victory.The Rams struggled in two key ares: missed opportunities and failure to convert on third down. Los Angeles converted on only four of 15 opportunities on third down. The offense is far too talented to put up just 241 total yards. The Rams will take the win, but they will need to step up if they want to win tougher opponents.

2. Pharoh Cooper impresses, but is still unreliable

It is difficult to knock a guy that returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown, but Cooper muffed two punts. It’s undeniable that Cooper becomes a threat Cooper when the ball is in his hands. However, he must secure the ball first. The whole reason Cooper was given the opportunity is because wide receiver Tavon Austin fumbled several times. If Cooper cannot secure the football, it might be time ask rookie Cooper Kupp to return kicks and punts.

3. Passing offense was non-existent

Before I say anything, I completely acknowledge that the Jaguars’ defense is elite. That said, Jared Goff will compete against tough defenses throughout his entire career. He needs to be able to make adjustments. It’s not just him either; the entire offense needs to step up. The only consistent offensive contributor was Todd Gurley. It’s hard for Goff to get into a rhythm when guys like Calais Campbell are constantly in his face. Also, the receivers must do more to create space o their routes. I saw a few players quit on plays if they felt contained. Professionals do their job; they don’t quit when the job gets difficult. It doesn’t get any easier next week when the Rams take on the Cardinals in Los Angeles.

4. Defense shined

The defense surrendered a total of 130 rushing yards to Fournette. At first glance, that number looks horrible, but keep in mind 75 of those yards came from one play. In fact, Fournette compiled 100 yards rushing in the first quarter but was just limited to 30 yards for the rest of the game. Kudos go to defensive coordinator Wade Phillips for making the proper adjustments. Jaguars  quarterback Blake Bortles struggled due to constant pressure by the Rams’ defensive front. The secondary did a solid job for the most part by limiting big plays. Of course, it helps that the Jaguars receiving corps wasn’t healthy.

5. Connor Barwin may be the Rams’ best 2017 FA signing

Barwin has been the unsung hero on the defense. He consistently pressures quarterbacks, and this week was no different, especially in Bortles’s case. He finished the game with seven tackles, three of which were for a loss and one sack. It was great to bring in Barwin to play in Phillips’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

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