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On The Rampage: Rams’ Bold Travel Plan, Missed Opportunities Earlier this Season, and the Blueprint Behind today’s London Blowout

The Los Angeles Rams should be undefeated, and they’re playing like one of the NFL’s most complete teams. At 5-2, their record tells a story of dominance, resilience, and two costly lessons learned the hard way — both of which came down to execution in key moments. Losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles kept the Rams from perfection, but their commanding 35-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London reminded everyone just how dangerous this team can be when it all clicks.

Both games involved total breakdowns by certain players. Let’s take a closer look at how two missed opportunities shaped the Rams’ season — and how their bold international travel plan just redefined NFL road strategy.

Two losses, two lessons: Do Not Hand Over Games to Other Teams.

For instance in Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles 33, Rams 26

Los Angeles looked unstoppable early against the Eagles, jumping out to a 19-point lead midway through the third quarter after a sharp touchdown strike from Matthew Stafford. It was a near-flawless start that had Philadelphia reeling — until the game completely flipped.

The Eagles roared back with 26 unanswered points, turning what looked like a rout into a heartbreaking collapse. Special teams were the story — or the nightmare — of the fourth quarter. The Rams had two critical field goals blocked, one by Jalen Carter and another by Jordan Davis on what could have been the game-winning 44-yard attempt as time expired. Davis scooped it up and ran it back for a touchdown to cap one of the most shocking endings in recent Rams history.

It marked the biggest blown lead of the Sean McVay era and a stunning reminder that no advantage is safe without execution on all fronts. For a franchise that had gone 107-1 since 1984 when leading by 19 or more points, this was a loss that stung deep.

Week 5: San Francisco 49ers 26, Rams 23 (OT)

Two weeks later, Los Angeles found itself in another horrible game play at times after seeing brilliance omn the field — and another one that got away. Scratch that please because it was another game the team gave away to lose. Down 17-7 at halftime, the Rams clawed their way back to tie the game at 20-20 late in the fourth. After the 49ers retook the lead with a field goal, Stafford led a brilliant drive inside the San Francisco 2-yard line with just over a minute left.

Then came the turning point: Kyren Williams, who’d been rock-solid all afternoon, lost the football at the goal line. The Rams’ best shot at a go-ahead touchdown evaporated in seconds. The fumble forced overtime, where the 49ers capitalized with another field goal before sealing the win on a fourth-down stop.

It was the kind of loss that gnaws at a team — one that slipped away despite outplaying an injury-depleted San Francisco squad missing its starting quarterback and multiple key defenders.

Had the Rams closed out both games — the 19-point lead in Philly and the near-touchdown in San Francisco — they’d be sitting atop the NFC at 7-0. Instead, those moments have fueled their determination. And that fire was on full display when they touched down in London.

A new kind of road trip

When the Rams headed overseas for Week 7 against the Jaguars, they didn’t just travel — they reinvented the playbook on how to do it.

After their Week 6 matchup in Baltimore, the Rams stayed on the East Coast rather than flying back to Los Angeles. They practiced all week at Oriole Park at Camden Yards — home of the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles — using the facility as their temporary base. Then, in an unconventional move, they didn’t arrive in London until Saturday morning, barely 24 hours before kickoff.

The idea was simple: limit time in a foreign time zone to minimize jet lag and preserve routine. The strategy was risky — teams usually arrive early in the week to adjust — but it paid off in spectacular fashion.

Once in London, the Rams held a quick walkthrough, then gave players the rest of the day to rest and recover. It was all about keeping bodies fresh and minds sharp. And when Sunday arrived, Los Angeles looked anything but jet-lagged.

The London statement

At Wembley Stadium, the Rams looked like a team reborn. Matthew Stafford delivered one of his best games in years, throwing five touchdown passes — the most ever by a quarterback in an overseas NFL game. Three of those went to Davante Adams, who was unstoppable in the red zone. Rookie receivers Konata Mumpfield and Terrance Ferguson each added a score, showcasing the Rams’ impressive offensive depth even without injured star Puka Nacua.

On defense, Jared Verse and Byron Young led a relentless pass rush that sacked Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence seven times. The Jaguars, who had spent nearly a full week in London preparing, looked sluggish and out of sync — committing 13 penalties for 119 yards.

The Rams’ 35-7 win was not just a statement game; it was proof that McVay’s staff had found a winning formula for long-distance success. By keeping preparation stateside and minimizing distractions abroad, the Rams stayed sharper, faster, and more cohesive than their opponent.

The blueprint for future trips

This victory could change how teams approach international games moving forward. Rather than the traditional weeklong stay overseas, the Rams’ late-arrival model might become the new standard — especially after seeing how well it worked in one of the season’s most dominant performances.

The decision to stay in Baltimore, practice at a world-class facility like Camden Yards, and arrive late allowed the Rams to maintain their rhythm and consistency. It’s no coincidence that their offense looked as crisp and their defense as disciplined as it has all season.

The road ahead

Now entering a much-needed bye week at 5-2, the Rams are firmly in NFC contention. They’ve proven that even with injuries, a few setbacks, and two hard-learned lessons, they’re built for the long haul. Their chemistry is tightening, Stafford looks revitalized, and McVay continues to evolve his team’s approach — both strategically and psychologically.

The Rams’ 2025 campaign may not be perfect on paper, but it’s shaping up to be one of their most balanced and intelligent seasons in years. They’re not just playing football — they’re playing chess, both on the field and in how they prepare for it.

And if their London experiment is any indication, the rest of the league might soon be taking notes.

Rams Overpower Jaguars in London as Matthew Stafford Makes History with Five-Touchdown Performance

Rams 35, Jaguars 7 — and the message was clear: Los Angeles is built to travel, built to adapt, and built to win.

The Los Angeles Rams brought a show to London this weekend — and they didn’t disappoint. In front of a packed crowd at Wembley Stadium, the Rams dismantled the Jacksonville Jaguars 35–7 in dominant fashion, improving to 5–2 on the season and heading into their bye week on a major high note.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford turned the International Series stage into his personal showcase, delivering five touchdown passes, the most ever thrown by a single quarterback in an overseas NFL game. It was a statement win not just for Stafford, but for a Rams team that looked sharp, confident, and fully in sync despite being halfway across the world.

Stafford’s Masterclass in London

Stafford was surgical from the opening drive, completing 21 of 35 passes for 182 yards and five touchdowns — spreading the ball around to 10 different receivers in true Sean McVay fashion. Even without top wideout Puka Nacua, sidelined with an ankle injury, Stafford was in total command.

His favorite target of the afternoon was Davante Adams, who turned in a vintage performance with three touchdown receptions. Adams’ connection with Stafford was unstoppable, as they carved up Jacksonville’s secondary with short routes, red-zone precision, and a highlight-worthy one-yard score late in the game.

Rookie receivers Konata Mumpfield and Terrance Ferguson each caught their first career touchdowns, signaling a promising future for L.A.’s young offensive weapons. Running back Kyren Williams added 54 rushing yards on 12 carries, keeping the Jaguars’ defense honest while the passing attack did most of the damage.

For Stafford, it marked his first five-touchdown game since 2015 — and perhaps his most efficient outing in years.

A Defense That Dominated

If Stafford was the star of the offense, the Rams’ defense owned the rest of the stage. Los Angeles’ front seven relentlessly pressured Trevor Lawrence, sacking the Jaguars quarterback seven times and disrupting nearly every offensive possession.

Edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young led the charge, collapsing the pocket repeatedly and forcing Lawrence into quick, off-balance throws. Though Lawrence finished with 296 passing yards, he completed just 23 of 48 attempts and struggled to find any rhythm against a fast, aggressive Rams defense.

Jacksonville’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter — long after the outcome was clear — when rookie sensation Travis Hunter found the end zone for his first NFL score. Hunter was one of the few bright spots for the Jaguars, posting 8 receptions for 101 yards and showcasing why he’s viewed as one of the most versatile young talents in the league.

Rams’ London Strategy Pays Off

One of the more interesting storylines entering the game was how the Rams approached their travel schedule. Unlike most NFL teams that arrive early in the week to acclimate to the time change, the Rams flew in on Saturday morning, barely 24 hours before kickoff.

It was a bold decision — and it worked. The team showed no signs of jet lag, playing fast, focused football from start to finish. Coach Sean McVay’s preparation and attention to detail clearly paid off, and the players looked energized rather than fatigued by the overseas trip.

The win improved the Rams’ all-time record in London to 3–2, while the Jaguars fell to 7–7 in their now-familiar second home across the Atlantic.

Penalties and Pressure Sink the Jaguars

For Jacksonville, the loss was as frustrating as it was humbling. The Jaguars were flagged 13 times for 119 yards, a costly lack of discipline that stalled drives and extended Rams possessions.

Lawrence, who entered Week 7 playing some of his best football of the season, couldn’t overcome the relentless pressure. Without consistent protection or a running game to lean on, Jacksonville’s offense sputtered. Their 92 rushing yards came mostly in garbage time, and they failed to convert on several key third downs.

Rams Rolling into the Bye

The Rams now head into their bye week with momentum and swagger. Sitting at 5–2, they’re firmly in the NFC playoff race and playing some of their best football of the season. The offense is humming even without key pieces like Nacua, while the defense is quickly becoming one of the more disruptive units in the league.

Stafford, at 37, continues to remind everyone why he’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. His composure, accuracy, and ability to lead an evolving offense are anchoring a Rams team that feels ahead of schedule in what many predicted would be a transitional season.

What’s Next

After a well-earned bye week, Los Angeles will return to SoFi Stadium refreshed and ready for a critical stretch of games that could define their playoff positioning. If Stafford and Adams continue their newfound chemistry — and the defense keeps flying around the field — the Rams could be on their way to another memorable postseason run.

From Wembley to L.A., the Rams made one thing clear this weekend: when they’re locked in, they can dominate anyone, anywhere, on any continent.

This was a statement game — one that showed the Rams aren’t just competitive; they’re contenders.

Rams 35, Jaguars 7.
Five touchdowns. Seven sacks. One transatlantic message to the rest of the NFL: the Rams are back On The Rampage.

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