JACKSONVILLE — The Rams have scored two special teams touchdowns and lead the Jaguars 24-14. Here are a few notes from a wild first half.
*A FRENETIC START *
Sunday's contest got off to a wild start, with a pair of touchdowns before 30 seconds had even come off the clock.Â
The Jaguars won the coin toss and elected to defer, which meant the Rams started off with the ball. Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper fielded the ball three yards deep in the end zone, and darted to his right. The returner found a seam, then headed up the right sideline for a 103-yard touchdown.
But Los Angeles' lead wouldn't last long. On the Jaguars' first play from scrimmage, rookie running back Leonard Fournette burst through the right side of the offensive line and pulled away for a 75-yard touchdown.
The score was tied at seven with 14:31 left in the first quarter.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this is the first game in the Super Bowl era with two touchdowns within the first 25 seconds.
*FIRST TOUCHDOWN FOR EVERETT *
Rookie tight end Gerald Everett scored his first career touchdown late in the first quarter with a creative play call inside the five-yard line.
On 2nd-and-goal from the Jacksonville four, wide receiver Tavon Austin came in motion from left to right in front of quarterback Jared Goff. The ball was snapped high, but Goff was able to field it, then complete a shovel pass to Everett between the tackles. The rookie cut to his left, then found enough space to break the plane.
Everett's score gave Los Angeles a 17-14 lead.
THE PUNT IS BLOCKED
Los Angeles scored its second special teams touchdown of the afternoon late in the second quarter with a blocked punt.
Jacksonville had 4th-and-9 from its own 19, and punter Brad Nortman was lined up close to his own end zone. Linebacker Cory Littleton broke through the line of scrimmage, put his arms out, and blocked the kick. Running back Malcolm Brown fielded the loose ball, and a mob of Rams was there to help escort him past some scrambling Jaguars into the end zone.
With the touchdown, the Rams took a 24-14 lead.