This early, it’s obvious Rams are leaning entirely on Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams have a tendency to push their stars early in the season. And so far, the offense has leaned heavily on veteran wideout Puka Nacua. He was the primary target in the passing game in Week 1, and now in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, it’s more of the same, if not even more pronounced.

The offense has struggled to put points on the board, and the first half of this game is shaping up to be another defensive slog. A second straight week where scoring comes at a premium wasn’t what Rams fans hoped for. But it has once again highlighted the physical presence of Nacua, who continues to prove he’s this unit’s offensive anchor.

On a critical fourth-and-one at the Titans’ 45-yard line, the Rams dialed up a razzle-dazzle jet sweep to Nacua around the left end. With Tennessee crowding the line, Nacua spotted daylight and burst through for a massive gain and a touchdown. By halftime, he was easily the team’s most effective offensive weapon, logging a 45-yard run and four catches for 32 yards.

Puka Nacua continues to showcase elite versatility in Rams offense

Nacua is a physical and tough wide receiver who is excellent at both blocking and catching. But it’s his yards after the catch that make him so very dangerous. And if he’s tough to tackle after making the catch, why not get him involved in the rushing attack? In the first half of Week 2, the Rams’ running backs rushed eight times for just 22 yards, an average of 2.75 yards per carry. After factoring in Nacua’s touchdown burst, the rushing attack jumps to nine rushes for 67 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

In just 1.5 games, Nacua has caught 15 of 16 passes for 161 receiving yards and rushed twice for 46 yards. For any defense facing the Rams offense going forward, it’s clear that Nacua has to be one of the primary weapons in the game plan. And with a full half of regulation still to go, Nacua’s total of over 200 yards from scrimmage is an electrifying pace.

The chemistry between veteran WR Davante Adams and Matthew Stafford has not clicked just yet. Adams has hauled in just two of eight passes for 39 yards, following a Week 1 showing of four catches on eight targets for 57 yards. Pulling in just six of 16 passes is not what this offense needs.

With the challenge of connecting with Adams and the ineffectiveness of the ground game, it only makes sense for fans and fantasy football owners to expect more from Nacua. He remains the only consistent offensive weapon in Week 2.

There’s a half to go, but the Rams offense has to kick in soon. The lackluster Tennessee Titans offense just scored its first touchdown pass from rookie QB Cam Ward. Now, the Rams offense has to wake up from its slumber.

As always, thanks for reading.

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