As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, we sat down with Evan Craig of Turf Show Times
to learn more about the opposing side.Question 1: Just how important is Puka Nacua
to the Rams’ offense — and after his ankle injury in Week 6, how concerned are you about his availability for Sunday?
Puka Nacua is simply the engine that makes the Rams’ offense go. Since the front office let longtime star Cooper Kupp go this offseason, Puka needed to maintain his high level of play, and he’s done exactly that and then some so far this season. Truthfully, he’s been L.A.’s top wideout since his rookie campaign, because Kupp had been a shell of his previous self. Not only does Puka excel in the passing game, but he’s an exceptional blocker. Sean McVay likes it when his receivers do the “dirty work” in addition to their normal pass-catching duties, and the third-year WR is the perfect embodiment of what McVay likes to run.
Fortunately for Rams fans everywhere, Nacua managed to avoid a significant injury that would’ve sidelined him for weeks. So he’ll be day-to-day for now with a sprained ankle, yet his status for Sunday remains up in the air. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s held out of this one at the very least, given the team has its bye after the London trip. Plus, the coaching staff could always keep him out for the first game out of the bye since it’ll be against an interior opponent in the Saints. Nacua and the Rams are lucky because I cannot see this team going far this season if their top target is out for an extended period.
Question 2: How has the other side of the ball evolved in Chris Shula’s second season as defensive coordinator?
Initially last season, it was expected that the offense would carry the defense as they found their way under Chris Shula. However, the defense outperformed expectations and remained a steady unit that only got better as the playoffs neared. The Rams would not have made the playoffs last season without the heroics of the defense down the stretch. It also helped that a young pass rush especially found its footing during an insane two-game run with 16 sacks against the Vikings and Eagles. That momentum has carried over into the season, as it’s one of the top sacking teams in the league.
Additionally, the defense has evolved by getting better against the run. Adding Poona Ford from the crosstown Chargers is a big reason why L.A. is close to the top 10 in run defense. Entering the Ravens game, the Rams held Saquon Barkley (who absolutely terrorized them in two games in 2024), Jonathan Taylor and Christian McCaffrey in check in three straight games. Amazingly, Derrick Henry last weekend was the first opposing running back to go over 100 yards against the Rams this season. Sometimes their overemphasis on stopping the run has hurt them, but overall, that area has transformed into a strength through six games.
Question 3: If you were gameplanning against the Rams, what weaknesses would you look to exploit?
The offensive line has been a complicated issue for the Rams through these first few weeks, as nine different players have suited up for L.A.‘s O-line so far. Continuity has been the main culprit due to injuries along the line. Steve Avila, Beaux Limmer and even stalwart Kevin Dotson have all shown signs of regression. Attacking the left guard spot is the main area to go if you’re looking for pass rushing life. That area has seen the most change through these first few weeks. The inconsistency and continuity issues have been maddening for fans all season, and there’s no clear solution yet, unless there’s an overhaul this offseason.
Additionally, the secondary has been a concern for most of the season. The front office failed to make any additions in the secondary, specifically at cornerback this offseason, and while the lack of action hasn’t hurt the Rams much, this is an area of weakness. Brian Thomas Jr. could have a good game against this secondary and it wouldn’t be surprising at all. Jacksonville must stretch the field and try to air it out early to grind out a win.
Question 4: Who’s an under-the-radar player or two that Jaguars fans should watch for on Sunday?
If Puka cannot play, then Tutu Atwell is a player to watch and possibly add to your fantasy team. Atwell, who was inactive last week in Baltimore due to a hamstring injury, is a big play waiting to happen. He only has four catches on the season, yet one of them went for an 88-yard game-winning touchdown against the Colts in Week 4. The fifth-year man has been with the team as long as Matthew Stafford has, but has been buried on the depth chart without getting a fair shot to shine. I think it’s a shame that the coaching staff has largely been unsure about how and when to use him. Atwell is never going to be a top target, but he possesses so much gadget and slot potential that the Rams have taken advantage of few too many times. However, if McVay decides to give him more playing time against the pond, then you had better hope your secondary has a bunch of guys with solid 40 times, since they’re going to need every bit of it.
Question 5: Do you expect the Rams to cover as 3-point favorites, and do you like any bets/props for the game?
I do expect the Rams to cover on Sunday. This has all the makings of an ugly, low-scoring game, which has become the team’s specialty over the last couple of seasons. I can see this being a game decided on the last possession, particularly if Puka Nacua is indeed out, because that will limit L.A.’s offense considerably. As for another bet, I’d say take any with Davante Adams scoring a touchdown. Adams has been relatively hit or miss this season, but he’ll be Matthew Stafford’s top target if Nacua isn’t good to play. The All-Pro at one point had a three-game touchdown streak, and he appears overdue for a trip to the end zone after two straight slow games.
Thanks to Evan for taking the time to answer our questions! You can see our responses to Turf Show Times’ questions at this link.
Let us know your thoughts on the matchup in the comments below!