Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts Notebook: Puka Nacua Saves the Day
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Indianapolis Colts 29-23 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.
So, following the Rams' fourth game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Rams Dominant in First Half
The Rams were stellar on both sides of the ball during the first half, and the 20-0 score reflects that.
Momentum is a powerful aspect of football and gaining it on the first drive provides an early advantage. Rams receiver Puka Nacua opened up the possession with a highlight-reel 26-yard grab, and a few plays later, quarterback Matthew Stafford was hit while going out of bounds, which put Los Angeles in field goal range. Nacua hauled in another touch grab on third and short and running back Kyren Williams ran in for a three-yard score.
A good first defensive possession is also key to a successful game, and linebacker Ernest Jones finished it off with a third-down sack on quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Rams capitalized with numerous long gains by Williams, Nacua, Van Jefferson and a fourth-down reception by tight end Tyler Higbee. Williams finished off the drive with another three-yard touchdown run.
The Colts tried to make a quick impression on their next drive with a 23-yard run by quarterback Anthony Richardson, but on his next rush attempt, Rams safety Jordan Fuller forced a fumble and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon recovered.
Higbee hauled in a 33-yard reception on the Rams' next drive, which later resulted in a 40-yard field goal by Brett Maher.
Once again, the Rams defense took advantage of the offense's production and logged their second-consecutive three-and-out.
Maher split the uprights from 54 yards out on the Rams' next drive, as long receptions by Nacua and Tutu Atwell set it up.
The Rams' lone bad play on defense came on the Colts' next possession, as Richardson delivered a strike to receiver Josh Downs. It appeared that Indianapolis would score their first points of the afternoon, but former Rams kicker Matt Gay missed the 47-yard field goal attempt.
Los Angeles was able to reach field goal range towards the end of the half after a 20-yard run by Williams, but Maher couldn't hit the 46-yarder.
2. Third Quarter Was Sloppy
A 17-yard grab by Nacua led to a 51-yard field goal by Maher, but the rest of the third quarter was subpar for Los Angeles.
On the Colts' next offensive possession, running back Zack Moss logged a couple of long runs, which led to a 35-yard touchdown reception by tight end Mo Alie-Cox. Indianapolis also scored the two-point conversion to make it 23-8.
Shortly after, Stafford threw an interception, but the Rams defense eliminated any more momentum that quarter, after a fourth-down stop. Earlier in the Colts drive, Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald had a strip sack and linebacker Christian Rozeboom recovered, but there was a defensive holding.
The Rams couldn't capitalize though, as Maher missed a 46-yard field goal towards the beginning of the fourth quarter. Earlier in the possession, Nacua hauled in a 22-yard ball, but was flagged for an offensive pass interference.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua with one of his nine receptions against the Indianapolis Colts.
3. Rams Couldn't Stop Colts in Fourth Quarter
Indianapolis couldn't have started their first possession of the fourth quarter any better as Richardson connected with receiver Alec Pierce for a 38-yard gain, but an additional 15 was placed due to an unnecessary roughness on Los Angeles. With 34 yards to go, Richardson found receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for a 15-yard gain, and a couple of plays later, the scrambling quarterback ran in for the score.
The Rams' attempt to chew the clock--Indianapolis' biggest enemy--didn't work as they gained a first down but punted shortly after.
It was then the Colts tight ends' time to shine as Drew Ogletree hauled in two catches for 20-plus yards on just their next three plays. Fellow tight end Kylen Granson recorded a 17-yard catch on fourth down, which landed Indianapolis on the three-yard line, Ogletree finished it off with a touchdown and Pittman tied the game on a two-point conversion with two minutes remaining. But the Rams couldn't get anything done and the game went to overtime.
4. Puka Nacua is the Hero
With all the momentum on the Colts' side, one flip of a coin lowered that immediately, as Los Angeles elected to receive to start the overtime period.
Nacua opened up overtime with a 20-yard reception and Williams ran for 13 yards two plays later. Running back Ronnie Rivers proceeded to rush for five-and-six-yard gains, which led to a 22-yard touchdown by Nacua to end the game in heroic fashion.
The record-breaking fifth-round rookie finished the game with nine receptions (on 10 targets) for 163 yards and his first career touchdown at the very end.
Stafford completed 27-of-40 attempts for 319 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
Williams' tough running was crucial in their big lead heading into the final minutes as he ended the game with 25 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
