For a brief moment Sunday afternoon, the Los Angeles Rams held their breath.
Puka Nacua was down on the turf against the Detroit Lions, lying flat on his back after a lower-leg scare that immediately raised concern inside SoFi Stadium. But just as quickly as the worry arrived, it disappeared. Nacua popped back up, returned to the huddle, and went right back to doing what he’s done all season — carrying the Rams when they need it most.
By the end of a 41–34 victory that clinched a playoff berth, Nacua had earned himself a new nickname from head coach Sean McVay.
“He’s like Pac-Man,” McVay said postgame, via Rams YouTube. “He just eats up yards.”
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel
“Everybody’s the Ghost”
McVay’s Pac-Man comparison didn’t take long to reach Nacua, who embraced the nickname while explaining how he sees his role on the field.
“I think it’s more of the Pac-Man when he eats the big ones,” Nacua said. “Everybody’s the ghost. I’m trying to run through everybody. So I like that.”
That mindset showed up repeatedly. Nacua finished with nine receptions for a career-high 181 yards, ripping off gains of 39, 37, 36, and 22 yards while repeatedly fighting through contact.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
A Rally Sparked by No. 12
Detroit appeared to be in control early, building a 24–14 lead and capitalizing on a rare Matthew Stafford interception by Aidan Hutchinson. The Rams needed a spark, and McVay turned to the player who has become the engine of their offense.
Nacua delivered with a series of momentum-shifting plays — none bigger than a sideline grab that helped set up a last-second field goal before halftime, followed by a relentless run-after-catch performance that kept Detroit on its heels.
The cramp that briefly sidelined him proved insignificant. Nacua walked off the field afterward with his arms raised, celebrating with fans as if the scare never happened.
Get your Puka-Flex T-Shirt Here
Historic Company, Franchise Trust
Nacua’s production has placed him in rare Rams territory. According to the team, his 336 receiving yards over the past two games match a feat last accomplished by Torry Holt in 2003.
That leap into superstardom came after the Rams made a bold offseason decision to move on from Cooper Kupp — a clear signal of their belief in Nacua as the focal point of the offense. He has rewarded that trust by becoming Stafford’s go-to option in every critical moment.
“When it’s my opportunity to make those plays,” Nacua said, “it’s even more fun.”
If the Rams are going to make noise in January, they’ll continue riding No. 12 — the receiver who eats yards, runs through defenders, and now proudly wears the Pac-Man mantle.