Thursday night was the first time Puka Nacua played a full game since the Rams’ playoff loss to the Lions in January, missing the last five-plus games with a knee injury suffered in Week 1. His presence on the field completely changed the look of the Rams’ offense, both in the passing game and the run game because of how talented he is as a receiver and blocker.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger focused on Nacua and the Rams for his “Baldy’s Breakdowns” series on Friday morning and he believes Los Angeles could be a dangerous team in the NFC now that they’re getting healthy. He highlighted Nacua’s best plays from the Rams’ 30-20 win over the Vikings, sharing what makes him such a good receiver in Sean McVay’s offense.
“Boy, it was good for the Rams to get Puka back,” he said. “Combined with that man Kyren Willams, all of a sudden – and Cooper Kupp – this offense looks awfully dangerous. Ready for a second-half surge, I believe, from the Rams.”
.@rams @AsapPuka Ramms are getting their arsenal back into the lineup…Sure look ready to make a second half surge to me. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/cxd39SXgSV
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 25, 2024
In another video, Baldinger gave the Rams’ offensive line plenty of credit for blanking the Vikings in the sack department after Minnesota racked up 24 sacks in its first six games.
He singled out Justin Dedich and Beaux Limmer, two rookies who are starting up front, for their play on the interior, too.
“Ryan Wendell, the offensive line coach, is doing a great job. Here it is, game-winning drive, hat on a hat, come off the ball together. Here comes Ivan Pace with the blitz. Pick em all up. This is good,” he said.
.@RamsNFL offensive line with 2 rookies; Dedich & Limmer….getting it done! Amazing job of coaching by Ryan Wendell. No sacks against this defense? @Kyrenwilliams23 goes for almost a HUN….Game Balls please for the O-Line. #ramshouse #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/HQiCCKjUqm
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 25, 2024
At 3-4, the Rams are nowhere near one of the best teams in the league record-wise, but they’ve won two games in five days and could have a chance at tying the division lead if the Seahawks lose this weekend and the Rams can beat them in Week 9.
They’re far from done in the NFC West and now that they’re getting healthy, the offense looks explosive again.
