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The last NFL game in London this season ended in a blowout.
For the fourth straight week, fans in the U.S. woke up early for a game across the pond. This time it was the third and final game in London this season at Wembley Stadium, with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-7 to kick off Sunday’s Week 7 action.
The Rams stormed ahead to a 21-0 lead by halftime, a deficit that was too much for the Jaguars to overcome. Los Angeles improved to 5-2 with the win, while Jacksonville fell to 4-3.
Here are three takeaways from the Rams-Jaguars game:
1. No Puka Nacua, no problem
With the NFL’s reception leader entering Week 7 sidelined due to an ankle injury, the Rams’ offense seamlessly shifted to other options.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with 10 different receivers in Puka Nacua’s absence to spread the wealth in an efficient performance — 21 of 33, 182 yards, five touchdowns. Davante Adams led the way with three touchdowns, while rookies Terrance Ferguson and Konata Mumpfield both caught their first career touchdowns.
Picking up this win in London without Nacua was massive for the Rams, who now have a bye week. The star wideout has plenty of time to rest up before the team returns on Nov. 2 against the New Orleans Saints, followed by critical divisional matchups with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
2. Time is ticking for Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars are still above .500, but it hasn’t been pretty for quarterback Trevor Lawrence with new head coach Liam Coen.
Lawrence, 26, completed just 23 of 48 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s loss. The former top pick entered Week 7 with the second-worst completion percentage by quarterbacks to start all six games — ahead of only rookie Cam Ward. He’s now been under 60% in three of seven starts, struggling with accuracy and ball placement that’s leading to receivers looking uncertain. The only bright spot came in the fourth quarter while trailing 28-0, when rookie Travis Hunter scored his first career touchdown.
Now in his fifth season, it’s clear that Lawrence has the physical tools to be a starting quarterback. Combining that talent with the mental side of the game still hasn’t translated, though. Lawrence signed a long-term contract, with no outs until 2029, in the 2024 offseason, but you have to wonder if the team’s new front office and coaching staff starts seeking other options.
3. London travel plans
When NFL teams play overseas, a hot topic usually involves travel plans. When are the teams flying out? Where are they staying? What are the hotel accommodations?
This time around, the teams took vastly different approaches. The Jaguars traveled to London on Tuesday, giving them a full week of practice in England to get used to the conditions and possible jet lag. The Rams stayed in Baltimore after their win over the Ravens last Sunday, practicing in Maryland all week before arriving in London on Saturday morning.
Even though you might think more time in London would be better, head coach Sean McVay proved that both ways can work. The Rams didn’t even have time to think about the jet lag, with barely 24 hours in Europe before kickoff. It’s all part of the inexact science that is the NFL.
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