CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Puka Nacua scored two touchdowns and hauled in 10 passes for 111 yards in the Rams’ playoff win on Saturday, but all anyone wanted to praise him for afterward was a defensive play he made.
In the fourth quarter of Los Angeles’ showdown with the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Nacua jumped into the air and ripped away a surefire interception from defensive back Nick Scott.
The would-be pick could have changed the entire complexion of the Rams’ season, but several plays later, the Rams were able to score a touchdown to make the game 27-24, and they ultimately went on to secure a 34-31 victory.
Sean McVay called Nacua’s play “unbelievable,” before he heaped even more compliments on the star receiver for the effort.
“He’s a freakin’ warrior,” McVay said, adding, “I love him. Grateful he’s on our squad.”
The cornerback-like abilities were also not lost on Rams defensive back Cobie Durant, who joked Nacua might be in some of his meeting rooms in the coming days.
“He might be at safety next week,” Durant said. “You never know. You never know what we might do.”
For Nacua’s part, he sure seemed to think if he were in the same position again, the outcome would be similar.
“If it’s not me coming down with the ball,” he said, “nobody can come down with it.”
