The Los Angeles Rams (5-2) took on the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) in London on Sunday morning at Wembley Stadium and won in commanding fashion, beating Jacksonville 35-7.
The Rams set the tone from the jump. The defense forced the Jaguars to a quick three-and-out on their opening drive. The offense then capitalized, scoring on a 13-play drive after quarterback Matthew Stafford found rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield for 5-yard touchdown, the first of Mumpfield’s career.
The score was the first on a night where Stafford was lights out, throwing for 182 yards with five touchdowns and no turnovers. His five touchdown passes was a first for a quarterback in an international game.
The offense didn’t waiver after the first touchdown, as on the very next drive, wide receiver Davante Adams made his first touchdown reception of the game on a fade route that he toe-tapped in.
The Jaguars tried to respond, but were unable to because of countless mistakes. Jacksonville wide receiver Parker Washington returned a punt 62-yards for a touchdown, but an illegal block in the back took away the score. The Jaguars had a scoring opportunity on the next drive, but faltered when kicker Cam Little missed a 50-yard field goal wide left.
The Rams, however, continued to fire on all cylinders. With under five minutes left, Stafford kept the momentum going, as he found tight end Colby Parkinson to get Los Angeles to the one-yard line. Then from there, Stafford tossed the ball to Adams in the back of the endzone where he made a fantastic one-handed grab — his second touchdown of the game.
Penalties and lack of pocket protection kept hindering the Jaguars ability to mount a comeback. The Rams’ pass rush was ruthless, sacking quarterback Trevor Lawrence seven times. In the third quarter, Jacksonville was able to build some momentum after a big catch by wide receiver Dyami Brown for 39-yards, but the drive stalled after penalties. Over the course of the game, the Jaguars committed 13 penalties.
Los Angeles’ offense slowed down in the third quarter, but answered the call in the fourth. Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson got his first career touchdown after Stafford faked a handoff and tossed him the ball for a 31-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 28-0.
The game seemed to be over, but the Jaguars never quit fighting. After Ferguson’s touchdown, Lawrence led a five play 80-yard drive, capped off by a 34-yard touchdown to rookie wide receiver Travis Hunter. This was Hunter’s first career touchdown catch, and the best game of his young career. He had 101 receiving yards on eight catches.
The Jaguars then attempted an onside kick, but the Rams recovered and Stafford found Adams in the endzone again for the third time. This put Los Angeles ahead 35-7 and was the final blow in the London matchup.
Moving forward, Los Angeles gets a much needed bye week. Wide receiver Puka Nacua is still recovering from his ankle injury, but he should be ready in time for Week 9.
The Rams’ next game will be against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 1:05 pm.