Why 9 winners and 4 losers from Rams victory could start 2nd winning streak

(3) - WR Puka Nacua

Before Week 11, the only non-defenders to score a touchdown for the Rams offense were RB Kyren Williams, WR Cooper Kupp, an WR Demarcus Robinson. After Week 11, you can pencil in the names of WR Puka Nacua and TE Colby Parkinson as well.

We cited Parkinson's reception in stride for the score. But that was not exactly the case for Nacua's touchdown. In fact, his touchdown was so impressive that the broadcast announcers heaped praises on Nacua as replays proved what a circus catch the pass truly was:

The Rams offense appeared to need the running of Kyren Williams in 2023 to get on track and perform optimally. In 2024, the offense seems to gel most effectively when Puka Nacua is suited up and playing. In the five games he has played, the Rams have won three. So what does Nacua bring that seems to be absent when he is not playing?

The Rams depth chart is built to optimize veteran WR Demarcus Robinson as the third wide receiver option If Nacua is not in the lineup, then Robinson assumes a more prominent role, and more effective coverage from the defense. Also, the team does not deploy 12 personnel very often. Nacua is a bigger and more effective wide receiver, and does a better job of blending tight end toughness with wide receiver elusiveness than other wide receivers.

Perhaps most importantly, he has established great chemistry with Stafford, and knows when and how to adjust his routes to afford the best target to his quarterback. Nacua caught seven of nine passes in Week 11 for 123 yards and a touchdown. In just five games, he has hauled in 28 of 40 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown.