The Rams offense did not miss a beat Sunday in their 36-19 victory over the Browns. They’re playing an exciting brand of football with team production mirroring the two Rams teams that Sean McVay took to the Super Bowl. With Puka Nacua starring in the passing game, everything has flowed smoothly to the success of the organization.
The Rams, once considered down and out, are now in possession of the last wild-card spot in the NFC, pending Chiefs-Packers on Sunday night. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Rams have looked dangerous, especially with Kyren Williams back in the lineup. Williams had a whale of a game last week against the Cardinals, helping the Rams put up 37 points behind over 200 total yards and two touchdowns from the Notre Dame graduate.
Williams continued to be a dominant force, having 88 rushing yards, 24 receiving yards, and a touchdown. However, his success was overshadowed by ROTY candidate Puka Nacua. Nacua, now firmly the Rams’ WR1, hauled in four receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown. Nacua also had two rushes for 34 yards, coming in second statistically to Williams.
Nacua not only had a big day but was also able to shake off an injury that worried many, including myself. Nacua’s success has garnered him so much attention, that the Browns, who have one of the best defenses in the NFL gave up 399 total yards and receptions to seven different pass catchers.
Demarcus Robinson is starting to fill Van Jefferson’s role nicely with four receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. Cooper Kupp also hauled in six receptions for 39 yards in his new role, while Tyler Higbee continues to make plays as a receiver.
Nacua may get the attention but Kupp is reaping the rewards. He’s getting back to basics, finding favorable matchups and holes in zone coverage. Stafford will always make sure Kupp gets his but through a new schematic philosophy, getting the ball in his hands is much easier.
Stafford’s health has also taken a positive turn. An offensive line under immense criticism held Myles Garrett and company to zero sacks on the day. Their efforts played a big role in turnover prevention as the Rams did not give the ball away.
The Rams are rolling and with Baltimore on the horizon, it will be their biggest test of the season. Division rival San Francisco put a whooping on the Eagles and if the season ended today, Los Angeles would be headed to Santa Clara for their Wild Card game. The Rams need to push the petal, finding better seeding because the path to the Super Bowl is plugged with talent that can win on any given Sunday.
