Puka Nacua learns NFL officials don't care what he thinks in another blown call

The 11-5 Los Angeles Rams understood that by sitting out veteran wide receiver Davante Adams, that much of the offense would fall upon wide receiver Puka Nacua in Week 18 against the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals The problem is that since he made a huge gaffe byalling out NFL officiating, refs have kept a close eye for any opportunity to ruin Nacua's day.

NFL referees found easy pickings in Week 17, wiping off two touchdowns and a circus catch by the former Brigham Young University receiver. Unfortunately, they were back at it in Week 18, wiping off a Nacua touchdown reception in the first half.

Nacua's slip of the tongue was ill-timed. In the NFL playoffs, teams are so evenly matched that any advantage can mean the difference between winning and losing. Have your doubts?

In Week 18, the 3-13 Arizona Cardinals played most of the first half in a tie, and it was not until Nacua's second touchdown reception, this time it counted, that allowed Los Angeles to pull out to a lead.

Halftime

Arizona Cardinals 6
Los Angeles Rams 16

Rams cannot overcome refs and opponents in the postseason

Since Puka Nacua called out the NFL officials, the team has been on the receiving end of a number of horrible calls, all of which favor their opponents. It's no coincidence that the current two-game losing streak coincides with Nacua's publicly embarrassing officiating.

And therein lies the rub. Two losses, the only two-game losing streak of the season, fell after that slip of the tongue. Like toothpaste from a tube or a genie from a bottle, it's impossible to force those comments off social media.

Now, the only thing for Los Angeles to do is to ride out the storm.

That may or may not work. With the team forced to compete on the road, the Horns face travel, time zones, hostile crowds, strong opponents, and now even a hostile group of NFL officials in the playoffs. LA can still find ways to win. But the path to a Super Bowl victory is much steeper.

As always, thanks for reading.