The Los Angeles Rams’ defense has been a force in 2025, but this Sunday, they face a test unlike any other: the combination of Sam Darnold’s calm under pressure and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s game-breaking speed. As Nate Atkins highlighted during his appearance on the Rams LAFB Show, this matchup could expose a rare vulnerability for the Rams — their secondary.
Sam Darnold: Calm in the Eye of the Storm
“Yeah, I think this is going to be probably easily the biggest test for the pass offense that they’ve faced,” Atkins said. “Sam Darnold is just lighting it up. What’s different this year is he’s playing so much better under pressure. He’s just not rattled the way he was last season.”
Despite facing pressure on 30.3% of his dropbacks, Darnold is still averaging 10 yards per attempt and has a 5-4 TD-to-INT ratio when hurried. While his completion percentage drops under duress — 55.1% — his ability to extend plays and find open targets makes him uniquely dangerous.
“They have to keep him from getting those explosive gains that turn into touchdowns. You need to make them drive through the red zone, make them drop back more because the pass rush ultimately still has to win the day,” Atkins added.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba: A Deep Threat the Rams Can’t Ignore
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Darnold’s impact is amplified by Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The young receiver has turned 44.4% of his catches into explosive plays of 15+ yards and converts 35.5% of deep targets. With highlight-reel plays of 61, 53, and 45 yards this season, he can punish even a talented secondary.
“Jackson Najigba is just always open and always catching everything,” Atkins said. “He’s doing something a little more explosive downfield, like the 40-yard touchdown he had last week. That’s going to be really hard for the Rams to handle.”
Rams’ Recent Defensive Challenges
Los Angeles has largely faced backups and inexperienced starters in recent weeks, including Mac Jones, Tyler Shough, and Tyler Huntley. “You can’t go in expecting that you’re going to just take him away — if that was out there, someone would have done it already,” Atkins noted.
The message is clear: this is a different kind of challenge. The defense will need discipline, smart coverage, and timely pressure to prevent Darnold and Smith-Njigba from turning plays into touchdowns.
The Stakes: Execution vs. Explosiveness
This Sunday will test the Rams’ defensive identity. Their pass rush can disrupt Darnold if executed correctly, but containment will be key. Limiting Smith-Njigba’s big plays and forcing the Seahawks to methodical drives will determine whether the Rams can hold the line.
This is the Rams’ biggest test of the season so far. If they can contain Darnold and keep Jackson from turning every play into a game-breaker, they’ll be in a position to win. But this is not a challenge to underestimate.
Rams Fans: Eyes on the Secondary
For L.A. supporters, the message is simple: the Rams’ vaunted pass rush and secondary will be under the microscope, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Containing Sam Darnold and neutralizing Jaxon Smith-Njigba is no easy task — but it’s a challenge this defense was built to face.
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