In Brief
Mike Sims-Walker was held out last week for breaking team rules.
(Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Steven Jackson had 200 yards from scrimmage to lead the Rams past the Jaguars, 24-21, in Week 8 of the 2005 season.
Streaks:
St. Louis has won both meetings between these teams.
Last week:
The Rams were undone by four turnovers in a 38-10 blowout loss to the Vikings. ... Jacksonville showed up in Seattle, but did not exactly perform, in a 41-0 loss to the Seahawks.
Keep your eye on ...
Marc Bulger's return: Backup Kyle Boller failed to energize the Rams' offense in his two-game stint as a starter and now Bulger returns after sitting out with a shoulder injury. While Bulger is far from a superstar at this point in his career, he has taken better care of the ball than Boller, with just one turnover in four games, compared to Boller's five turnovers in three games.
Mike Sims-Walker's level of focus: Jacksonville's third-year wideout was one of the hottest receivers in the league entering Week 5, having caught 19 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns in his past three outings. Then he was surprisingly made inactive against the Seahawks. Coach Jack Del Rio said he broke a team rule. Sims-Walker is expected back this week, but whether he will continue his hot streak remains to be seen.
Rashean Mathis' effort: Throughout his seven-year career, Mathis has been known for his playmaking ability and coverage skills. While he does have one interception this year, he has failed to generate many big plays in 2009 and struggled to tackle or cover in last week's loss to Seattle. He must pick up his play against a Rams passing offense that ranks 27th.
Did you know?
Rams RB Steven Jackson has averaged 123.8 yards from scrimmage per game since 2006, which is tops in the NFL. ... Rookie LB James Laurinaitis had his first career interception in Week 5. ... Jaguars WR Torry Holt spent 10 seasons (1999-2008) with the Rams and ranks second all-time in receptions (869), receiving yards (12,660) and touchdown receptions (74). He needs 34 yards to become the 12th player in league history to reach 13,000 receiving yards.