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Puka Nacua Scores Twice and Makes Clutch Breakup as Rams Edge Panthers in Wild Card Win

McVay’s public backing highlighted an All-Pro season that positioned the late-round pick as the Rams’ offensive centerpiece.

Overview

  • The Rams beat the Panthers 34-31, with Nacua delivering a receiving touchdown and a five-yard rushing score to stake an early lead.
  • Nacua finished with 10 catches for 111 yards and three carries for 14 yards, including two receptions on the decisive 71-yard drive.
  • He broke up a potential goal-line interception early in the fourth quarter, preserving a chance that preceded a Kyren Williams touchdown.
  • Nacua dropped a potential long score late in the first half, drawing Greg Olsen’s “99 times out of 100” remark, as Sean McVay was shown consoling and later praising him.
  • On the same day he was named a unanimous AP first-team All-Pro, Nacua’s breakout followed a league-leading 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 TDs, with his fifth-round selection linked to the Rams’ film-based evaluations and with Calvin Johnson suggesting he could reach 2,000 yards in a future season.