The Los Angeles Rams are in something of a predicament. Having already clinched the playoffs, and without much chance for upward seeding, a more common trend has been to rest starters. And while the debate between rest or rust will reemerge during the divisional week of the NFL playoffs, one factor could be worth monitoring when the Los Angeles Rams have to make their final decision.
Los Angeles Rams More Than Another Win To Play For
It’s a team sport. Individual records are not supposed to matter in the grand scheme of the main team goal which is to win a Super Bowl. And yet the emergence of Puka Nacua is lining up a potential opportunity to cap off a historic rookie year.
Nucaua is only 29 receiving yards away from breaking the all-time receiving record of a rookie season. Would sitting out during week 18 tarnish what has otherwise been a great rookie campaign? Of course not! His ability to establish himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league already is a testament to him as a player. But having the record would be a nice addition to have from this season.
Los Angeles Rams Possible Scenarios
Is it possible Nacua only plays in one half, with the starters to help get the record? Sure. It is also equally likely that Head Coach Sean McVay will choose to rest his starters rather than risk injury.
However, this could be a mistake. This team has had a lot of turnover of the roster throughout the year, with how this team has been playing so well together as of late, missing an opportunity to continue the momentum would be a mistake.
Even though there is a risk of getting injured right before the playoffs, there is always an inherent risk of playing football. But for this team, given where the Los Angeles Rams are in the development of their program don’t be surprised if we see starters play, regardless of a potential record-breaking game.
Los Angeles Rams WR
Whether he can break the record or not, Nacua has been nothing short of spectacular this season! The fifth-round pick out of BYU has had a terrific opening year in the NFL. With seven 100-plus yard games, he has already matched the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., and Justin Jefferson from their respective rookie seasons.
When speaking earlier in an interview on the Los Angeles Rams YouTube channel you get the sense of how locked in he is and happy to be on this team.
I guess just a flow state. And just feeling like I couldn’t really think past of what was happening next. Feeling so present and just like everybody around me was just feeling like I was in the right place.
The record would be nice, but listening to Nacua, it does not seem that that is his concern or worry at all. Nacua is focused on preparing himself to put his team in the best position to win.
