The Los Angeles Rams were able to bounce back in Week 4 with a close overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Rams had a 23-0 lead early in the second half, but Anthony Richardson and the Colts mounted an impressive comeback to force the extra period. However, Los Angeles was able to score on the opening drive in overtime to take home the win and bring the record up to 2-2.
Stafford had a much better outing because the offensive line was able to hold up much better in pass protection, though the hero of the day was Puka Nacua who continued his hot streak. Nacua recorded nine receptions for 163 yards and caught his first touchdown which so happened to be the game-winning score.
For his late-game heroics, Nacua was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Week, via NFL345:
.@RamsNFL @AsapPuka has been voted as the @Pepsi Zero Sugar @NFL Rookie of Week 4: https://t.co/QwOX9Z1YAN #ROTW
— NFL345 (@NFL345) October 5, 2023
This is the second time that Nacua’s been named Rookie of the Week with his first nod coming after his Week 2 performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Although that resulted in a loss, Nacua set several receiving records and deservedly won the honor.
The BYU product has been a revelation since the beginning of the season as he’s effectively stepped into the Cooper Kupp role in the offense. Kupp returned to practice this week and is pushing to play in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but if he’s unable to go then Nacua has proven he can fill in capably.
What Nacua’s doing is incredibly special given that he’s a rookie and wasn’t a highly-touted prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Injuries and a slow 40-yard dash time lowered his draft stock, but the league is quickly learning that that was a mistake.
Despite how young the Rams’ roster is, players like Nacua have been able to keep them competitive and in position to potentially sneak into the playoffs. Even if Kupp does return, Nacua should continue to be on the field for nearly every snap.
Matthew Stafford sees similarities between Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua
Stafford and Kupp established a rapport early on in their partnership and the same is happening with Nacua. Stafford’s made Nacua his go-to read in the passing game and he explained the similarities between the two wideouts.
