Matthew Stafford’s stats show Puka Nacua’s importance to the Rams’ offense

No one should be surprised that the Los Angeles Rams’ offense has hit its stride since the return of Puka Nacua. The second-year receiver is averaging 88.5 yards per carry. game this season, and that includes two games where he played about a third of the snaps due to an injury and suspension.

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

• With Nacua on the pitch: 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)

In the first six games of the season, Stafford had just three touchdown passes and four interceptions. He had zero games with multiple touchdown passes and just one game with 275-plus yards.

In the last seven games with Nacua back, he has six games with at least two touchdowns, five games with 275-plus yards and a total of 16 touchdowns to three interceptions.

The turnaround has been dramatic, and it shows the value Nacua brings to the 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.