Puka Nacua, Rams Rally Past Winless Chargers 24-9

Puka Nacua took a screen pass 18 yards for the touchdown that put the Los Angeles Rams in control late in the third quarter. Nacua finished with 11 catches for 80 yards on 12 targets as the Rams beat the Chargers 24-9 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

The win gets the Rams to 4-4 and gives them back-to-back wins for the first time this season, per the AP. The Chargers fall to 0-7, still the only winless team in the NFL and off to their worst start since 2000.

An Ugly Start, Then Three Touchdown Drives

For a half, this was rough to watch. The Rams went without a first down on their first five drives, the first time that has happened in Sean McVay's career, and gained 24 yards on their first 15 plays. They trailed 9-3 before a 40-yard completion to Tutu Atwell finally moved the chains, and Kyren Williams walked in untouched for a touchdown with 19 seconds left in the half.

Out of the break, Blake Corum took over. He ran for 55 yards on the opening drive of the third quarter and finished it with a 23-yard touchdown run. Corum ended with 73 yards on 11 carries. Two plays after Trent McDuffie picked off Justin Herbert, Nacua scored on the screen.

Matthew Stafford was 17 of 25 for 157 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Not a big passing day, but with Davante Adams out injured, the offense ran through Nacua and the backs.

Herbert Keeps Giving It Away

Herbert threw for 257 yards but was picked off twice, and he has now thrown an interception in all seven games. Quentin Lake set up the Rams' first field goal with a 45-yard return on an early pick. Mike McDaniel did get creative, calling back-to-back flea-flickers that led to a second-quarter field goal, but the Chargers could not run the ball and never found the end zone.

Ladd McConkey was the bright spot. He caught four passes for 86 yards on six targets, including a 54-yarder. On the injury front, Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson hurt his shoulder early in the second half and did not return.

Next Up and the Smacktok Lean

The Rams visit Washington on Sunday, Nov 8 at 10 AM PT. The Chargers host Houston that afternoon at 1:05 PM PT.

Nacua saw 12 targets with Adams sidelined, and he caught 11 of them. If Adams is still out next week, my Smacktok lean is higher on Nacua's receptions against Washington.