In the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have played only two games without star receiver Puka Nacua. In those two contests, the team has had some of its most efficient offensive performances since Nacua was drafted. In 2025, the Rams were without Nacua during their trip to London, where they beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 35-7. They debuted their 13 personnel offense that caught the opposition off-guard, with Matthew Stafford throwing for five touchdowns.
On Monday night against the Giants, the Rams were without Nacua and picked up their first win of the season, as Stafford threw four touchdown passes. Davante Adams had a night to remember with eight catches for 195 yards and two scores, with Terrance Ferguson also chipping in 54 yards and a score.
Before we go any further, the Rams need Nacua. Make no mistake about that. When he was absent due to injury in 2024, the team was awful until he returned and turned the season around. However, those two games, especially last night's, highlighted a point for head coach Sean McVay.
After the win, McVay spoke to the media about the offensive output. The win, like the one against Jacksonville, was predicated on spreading the ball around. Against the New York Giants on Monday night, eight different players caught a pass, while Kyren Williams and Blake Corum were excellent on the ground.
McVay stated that the team has to continue to spread around the wealth when Nacua comes back, and that a diverse attack is the best thing for the Rams, regardless of who is on the field.
“I think that's the best thing whether he's in or not," said McVay on spreading the ball around. "I think that's important. We have a bunch of guys that I have a lot of confidence in. Obviously, Davante had a great night. I thought Terrance Ferguson showed. Davis Allen made plays. Kyren made some plays in the pass game. Colby [Parkinson] had some big conversions and did a great job as part of the run surface.
"We have so many eligibles that I have a ton of confidence in. It was a great job by Steve Avila and Blake on the screen when we got down in there for the last touchdown. It was a really good day. I think Matthew read what the coverages dictated and got the ball where it was supposed to go. Tutu Atwell made a play on the play action. It was a good night and we're at our best when everybody gets involved. I think that's what good teams do.”
Sometimes when Nacua plays, Stafford will bombard him with targets. Nacua often comes through, making circus catches time and time again. But if McVay can find the balance between diversification and overreliance on Nacua with their passing attack, the offense could become even better. If his words are to be believed, the team is already working on ways to get that done.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay wants Rams spreading ball around – whether Puka Nacua is in or not
