Turf Show Times
We’ve seen this before. The Los Angeles Rams (10-3) had their way with the Tampa Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football two weeks ago. In Week 14, the Rams latest victim was the Arizona Cardinals. After allowing an opening touchdown drive to their NFC West competition, the Rams proceeded to outscore the Cardinals 45-3. Yes, you read that right. It was over in the 3rd quarter but Los Angeles continued to break Arizona’s spirit. What were the games biggest plays? Let’s look at what led to the 45-10 win.
1. Puka Nacua makes 1 handed catch to get into redzone, (Rams 10 – Cardinals 10), 4:13 left in 2nd Quarter
Puka did typical Puka Nacua things. He balled out, making almost every play look easy, including this one below. Looking to take the lead in the 2nd quarter, Matthew Stafford and Nacua went to work.
With Puka making these types of catches this early in the game, it felt like a guarantee that Los Angeles would win because of their play-making wide receiver.
2. Matthew Stafford connects with Puka for first passing touchdown of game, (Rams 24 – Cardinals 10), 0:12 left in 2nd Quarter
The Rams orchestrated a 7 play, 92 yard drive before halftime. The crazy part… it only took 90 seconds for them to score.
3. Stafford finds Colby Parkinson in the redzone, (Rams 31 – Cardinals 10), 10:09 left in 3rd Quarter
Jonathan Gannon’s defense simply had no answers for Stafford. When Nacua and Adams weren’t open, he was able to find his tight ends and supporting cast.
4. Nate Landman snares an interception off Jacoby Brissett, (Rams 31 – Cardinals 10), 0:24 left in 3rd Quarter
Nate Landman forced the Rams only turnover. But it kept the Rams rolling, allowing LA to score 35(!) unanswered points between the 2nd quarter and the beginning of the 4th quarter.
5. Puka Nacua mosses Will Johnson for 31 yard TD, (Rams 38 – Cardinals 10), 0:12 left in 3rd Quarter
Like I said, this game was the Puka Nacua highlight reel. To cap off a spectacular night, Nacua not only mossed Will Johnson, he made him look foolish on the stutter move, only to accelerate past him. All in all, Nacua finished with 7 receptions, 167 yards, and 2 touchdowns. It was the first time in his career that Puka Nacua had finished with two touchdowns in one game.
The Rams will head home after their two game road trip. They will face the Detroit Lions in a Week 15 home matchup that will certainly draw a lot of attention because of the storylines between the franchises and players.
What were your favorite plays of Week 14? Comment below.
