Still critical.We've reached the point where the Jaguars must show they can explode offensively. We actually may be past that point, with inconsistency hitting big plays beginning to shape the 2025 season. This need was clear this past Sunday, when the Jaguars' longest pass play was 26 yards while the Seattle Seahawks hit two "explosive" 61-yard pass plays one in the second quarter for a go-ahead touchdown and one in the fourth-quarter for a game-clinching first down deep in Jaguars territory in a 20-12 Seahawks victory. The Jaguars' longest passing touchdown this season is that 26-yarder last Sunday to wide receiver Tim Patrick. A major preseason storyline was that the Jaguars' offensive explosiveness particularly wide receiversBrian Thomas Jr.,Dyami BrownandTravis Hunterwould make this a dynamic dangerous offense. Instead, the offense has depended on the run. But while a running game is necessary, it's hard to win in the NFL with all touchdowns on extended, difficult drives. The Jaguars' passing offense must give the team some easy stuff. That has become critical.

Time to respond.The thought here is Sunday's game ranks as perhaps the Jaguars' most important in the first "half" of the season. Part of that is because the most important game in the NFL is always the next game, but this is the Jaguars' first game this season with a chance to respond to significant adversity. They responded well with a Week 3 victory over Houston after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Jaguars for the most part outplayed the Bengals and could make a legitimate argument they should have won if not for a questionable fourth-quarter defensive pass interference penalty on Hunter. No such argument could be made about the loss to the Seahawks. The Seahawks led the entire second half, sacked quarterbackTrevor Lawrenceseven times and at no point did the Jaguars feel in control of the game. The Rams, like the Seahawks, are good and can match the Jaguars' physicality. It will take perhaps the Jaguars' best game of the season to win. The first half of the season will be a success whether the Jaguars win or lose Sunday. But winning would say much about this improving team.

The Jaguars' pass defense has fallen down the standings in recent weeks and is giving up almost 257 yards per game, which ranks 30th in the NFL.Additionally, the Jaguars last Sunday allowed Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba 162 yards and a 61-yard touchdown and he's not the only receiver to have a big day against the Jaguars this season; Bengals wide receiver Jamar Chase had 165 yards and a touchdown while Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins also went over 100 yards with a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. This week they face Rams wide receiver Davante Adams, who when we saw him last December with the New York Jets caught 12 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars. The Jags believe the coverage will be better now that cornerback Greg Newsome II has had an entire week to get acclimated to his new surroundings after last week's trade with the Cleveland Browns. But someone must step up and help Jaguars defensive endJosh Hines-Allen, who is the focus of the offensive blocking scheme every play with defensive endTravon Walkerlimited by his wrist injury. Emmanuel Ogbah doesn't look like he's the solution so perhaps this week we'll see more of rookiesB.J. Green IIandDanny Striggow.

The offensive line better buckle up.The Rams watched that Seahawks tape and will attack Lawrence Sunday. Rams linebacker Byron Young has 7.5 sacks while linebacker Jared Verse has three. Don't forget about Kobie Turner, who can wreck a game plan from the inside. The Jaguars must run and while the Rams' run defense is good, it is not dominant like Seattle. Someone must make plays on the ground to keep the Rams' pass rush at bay long enough for Lawrence and the receivers corps to develop some tempo. It starts up front with a strong performance from an offensive line that had been a strength through the first five games.

A chess match between mentor and protg.Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coenwill go head-to-head with his former boss and mentor, Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Sunday. Coen held multiple assistant positions with the Rams from 2018-2020 and served as the Rams' offensive coordinator in 2022. Coen said Wednesday that he has spent time withDefensive Coordinator Anthony Campanilegoing over the specifics and objectives of a McVay offense, so the Jags will be prepped Sunday. I'm intrigued to see things play out with two offenses that operate similarly and two head coaches that have a similar play-calling style.

Getting the offensive line back on track must be top priority.The Jaguars had their worst offensive game so far this season against the Seahawks and a lot can be put on the ineffectiveness of the offensive line. The Seahawks had 17 quarterback hits on Lawrence and the Jaguars' run game was practically nonexistent with 43 yards on 15 attempts. The loss of tight endBrenton Strangeand centerRobert Hainseywas clearly felt along the line. Strange remains on injured reserve with a hip injury, but Hainsey may return sooner rather than later. Until they are at full strength, the line will need to regroup quickly and find a way to get back on track against an impressive Rams defensive front.