Matthew Stafford’s stats show how important Puka Nacua is to the Rams’ offense

Matthew Stafford’s stats show how important Puka Nacua is to the Rams’ offense

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Los Angeles Rams’ offense has been firing on all cylinders since Puka Nacua’s return. The second-year receiver is averaging 88.5 yards per game this season, and that includes two games in which he played about a third of the snaps due to an injury and a field throw.

While the entire offense has benefited from his return, Matthew Stafford has seen his numbers improve dramatically when Nacua has been on the field. Pro Football Network found out how different Stafford’s stats are with and without Nacua.

  • With Nacua on the field: 69.1% completion rate, 8.1 yards/attempt, 11 touchdowns, 2 interceptions (107.8 rating)
  • Without Nacua: 64.9% completion rate, 7.1 yards/attempt, 8 touchdowns, 6 interceptions (86.4 rating)

Through the first six games of the season, Stafford only had three touchdown passes and four interceptions. He had zero games with multiple touchdown passes and only one game with more than 275 yards.

In the last seven games with Nacua, he had six games with at least two touchdowns, five games with more than 275 yards and 16 total touchdowns with three interceptions.

The turnaround was dramatic and shows the value Nacua has on offense. When he’s healthy and available, the Rams are a much better team – and it’s no surprise that they’re 5-3 with him on the field and 2-3 without him.

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