Big Cat Country
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...
