Just like the Los Angeles Rams, the Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a three-game losing streak but that’s where the similarities end. Both teams will face off against each other in Week 13, and it’s easy to see why Jacksonville is a 14-point underdog ahead of the game. They have a rookie quarterback and a first-time NFL head coach while the Rams have one of the best offensive minds in Sean McVay and a veteran signal-caller in Matthew Stafford.
Moreover, Los Angeles has the firepower to score at will even though they lost wide receiver Robert Woods for the season. This should be a cause for concern for the Jaguars, as they have trailed by more than 10 points by halftime in each of their last three losses. If they want to avoid falling behind early in Week 13, they will have to keep an eye on these five Rams.
No. 1 Rams player the Jaguars must contain – Taylor Rapp
One reason the Rams have been able to win in spite of not having a first-round pick since 2017 — they drafted Jared Goff first overall in 2016 — is their ability to find defensive talent for their back-seven in later rounds of the NFL draft. They chose safety Taylor Rapp in the second round of the 2019 selection meeting and he’s gone on to become one of their most important players in the secondary.
Rapp is second in the Rams defense in both interceptions and total tackles. A video of Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon trucking him recently went viral but that’s just one play, as he’s pretty adept at stopping both the pass and the run.
No. 2 Rams player the Jaguars must contain – Cooper Kupp
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams are the closest to a super team you will see in the NFL due to salary cap restrictions. In particular, the Rams haven’t been afraid to lock their own talent all trade for playmakers if they think they will propel them deep into the playoffs.
Cooper Kupp has been a mainstay of the Rams’ offense since 2017 and it’s easy to see why general manager Les Snead gave him a three-year $48 million extension last year. The East Washington product is having a career year in 2021, hauling in 92 receptions for 1,237 yards and ten touchdowns in just 11 games. Heading into Week 13, his 90.5 Pro Football Focus overall grade is the second-highest among wide receivers, only behind Davante Adams.
No. 3 Rams player the Jaguars must contain – Odell Beckham Jr.
The Jaguars can’t devote too much attention to just one Rams player. Cooper Kupp is their most productive wide receiver but they can’t afford to sleep on Odell Beckham Jr., Van Jefferson, and tight end Tyler Higbee.
Beckham Jr. landed in Los Angeles not long after being released by the Cleveland Browns. The three-time Pro Bowl nod has been a limited participant in practice this week and has been relatively quiet in the last two weeks. However, he’s still got wheels and could have a breakout game against the Jaguars. Also, quarterback Matthew Stafford has struggled in recent games but the Rams have enough weapons on offense to make up for it and get back on track.
No. 4 Rams player the Jaguars must contain – Aaron Donald
There hasn’t been a more dominant player in the NFL over the past few years than defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Pittsburgh Steelers T.J. Watt is making a strong case but the Donald has played at an absurd level for longer.
This season, Donald has mustered “only” six sacks but that’s because of all the attention he commands. More often than not, he will have to go against double or triple teams. On the bright side, His presence allows his teammates to make plays. The 2014 first-round pick can take over games. The Jaguars can’t allow him to do that in Week 13.
No. 5 Rams player the Jaguars must contain – Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey is the kind of player the Rams will go out of their way for. Looking back, it looks like they got the best end of the trade that sent him from Jacksonville to LA. Heading into the game, you won’t hear anything but praise of him from Jaguars players and the coaching staff.
Center Brandon Linder told the media Wednesday he’s glad the All-Pro cornerback is succeeding and head coach Urban Meyer pegged as a 1 or 1A kind of talent. Ramsey currently leads the Rams with three interceptions and his 84.6 PFF overall grade is second among cornerbacks in the NFL.
The Jaguars’ wide receivers have struggled to create separation this season and the offense lacks a deep threat to stretch the field, this has led to a lack of big plays. Ramsey won’t make things any easier Sunday.