Puka Nacua is the one offensive weapon who can carry the Rams to victory

Ah, what might have been. The Los Angeles Rams already have over 1000+ receiving yards from elite wide receiver Puka Nacua after 12 games. But he missed one game and was sent to the bench for half of two other games. And yet, there he stands, catching over 80 percent of his targets, putting up 1,019 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

If you think that he has done enough for one season, think again. He just caught six of nine passes against the Carolina Panthers, including a phenomenal 31-yard circus catch that raised eyebrows throughout the NFL.

Nacua is more than a receiver for Los Angeles. He is an offensive spark. a go-to guy against the stingiest of NFL defenses. In games against the NFL's best, Nacua shines his brightest. Even as the offense has wisely learned to spread the football around, Nacua has remained one of the most dangerous players on the roster.

Why Puka Nacua is vital in final five games

Any NFL receiver who averages over 100 yards per start is critical to get on the field. But Nacua is doing so by hauling in more than four of every five passes thrown his way. Without the benefit of Nacua, Stafford is rather pedestrian with a 61 percent completion rate and just over 2000 passing yards.

All the while, defenses must fret over stopping an elite receiver, which dilutes the formation of an effective strategy to stop other players. It's no wonder Davante Adams is unstoppable in the red zone, while the team enjoys unparalleled success against good teams.

Nacua has been the margin against those teams.

There are players who simply pad stats. Puka Nacua is delivering exactly what this offense needs, exactly when it needs it. Wins don't just happen. In the NFL, someone must lead the way. For the Los Angeles Rams this season, that someone is the former Brigham Young University receiver.

As always, thanks for reading.