The Los Angeles Rams are a mess offensively, and their poor situation might have gotten way worse. Their wide receiver group, which is already without Davante Adams, could also be without star receiver Puka Nacua after he suffered a knee injury against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
The crucial piece to their offense, Nacua accounted for 14 of Matthew Stafford's 26 completions and 150 of his 228 passing yards. Nacua led the team in both categories, with Colby Parkinson finishing second in receptions with four and Konata Mumpfield finishing second in yards with 20.
Not only could Nacua miss time depending on the results of his MRI, but Tutu Atwell has also struggled to become a consistent producer in his expanded role this season, while Jordan
Whittington is barely used. Long story short, the Rams are in need of pass catchers quickly, and with the trade deadline on Tuesday, the team should consider a bold move to double-dip by making a trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen.
Allen is on a one-year contract, and considering his many years with the Los Angeles Chargers, moving back to Southern California shouldn't be much of an issue. Despite his veteran age, Allen remains highly useful, especially as he's able to find space against a variety of coverages. He's excellent at reading the blitz and turning into a hot read. Plus, he's a critical, reliable target on third down. The Rams are struggling to pass the ball in general, and Allen could help fix execution issues immediately.
The other pass catcher is Downs. The Rams need a playmaker who can naturally stretch the field, while serving in a role that has ups and downs in usage. Also in the final year of his rookie deal – he's Nacua's 2023 draft classmate – the Rams wouldn't have to be attached to a big contract for long. Plus, Downs could be a natural successor to Davante Adams, as long as the team is willing to switch up their offense while writing two massive checks. One to Downs, the other to Nacua.
Downs adds explosiveness and can be a field-stretcher. Allen adds veteran experience, consistency, and reliability. Bad times call for bold moves, and perhaps it's time to join the league in taking advantage of the Colts' midseason fire sale.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams should trade for not one, but two Colts receivers
