The NFL playoffs began Saturday afternoon with a matchup between the No. 5 seed Los Angeles Rams and the No. 4 seed Carolina Panthers.
In a game that many expected to see Los Angeles cruise through and advance to the Divisional Round turned out to be much different than what was thought. Here are four takeaways from the Rams’ 34-31 win.
Matthew Stafford delivered when it mattered most
After struggling in the second and third quarters, Stafford stepped up and delivered in the fourth quarter. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Stafford’s 146 passer rating in the fourth quarter was his highest in the fourth quarter of any game this season.
Puka Nacua cemented himself as the best receiver in the NFL
If there was any doubt heading into Saturday that Puka Nacua was the best receiver in the NFL, he silenced those critics. Nacua hauled in 10 catches for 111 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Nacua added three rushing attempts for 14 yards and a touchdown, giving him 125 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Nacua showcased his already known ability to make big plays in crunch time, including two big-time fourth quarter reception in Los Angeles’ game-winning drive.