CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams are eying an always hard-earned road playoff win, taking a 17-14 halftime lead.
The Orem Tiger product found the end zone twice in the early going, staking his team to an initial 14-0 advantage. It was the first time in his career, regular or postseason, that Nacua had scored two first-half touchdowns.
Nacua and the No. 5 Rams are facing the No. 4 Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, January 10, in an NFC Wild Card matchup.
Playoff Puka is my favorite Puka. Already off to a great start.
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) January 10, 2026
The former BYU Cougar and Orem Tiger standout finished the first half with 63 yards on six catches and two total touchdowns.
TWO TDS IN THE FIRST HALF 😳
This is Puka Nacua’s first career game with multiple TDs in the first half (regular season or postseason) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UOI4CNR5Aq
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 10, 2026
A late drop by Nacua cost Los Angeles what looked sure to be his third touchdown of the half and gave Carolina life heading into halftime.
Puka Nacua spearheads Rams’ scoring drive
Los Angeles forced a turnover on downs to end the Panthers’ first drive of the day after four plays.
Taking over at Carolina’s 47, MVP candidate Matthew Stafford looked Nacua’s way three times on a four-play scoring drive.
LA opened the day with a 16-yard Stafford to Nacua connection for 16 yards.
Following a five-yard pickup by running back Kyren Williams, Nacua caught a ten-yard pass, moving his team into the red zone.
That 9⃣ to 1⃣2⃣ connection. 🤌
📺 @NFLonFOX | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/vzZ517ahnL
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 10, 2026
On the next play, Nacua ran a slant over the middle before catching a dart from Stafford for a 14-yard TD.
Lateral gives Nacua second rushing TD of season
Defensive back Cobie Durant got Los Angeles the football back with 5:43 left in the first period, setting up another scoring drive.
Run-heavy play-calling led the Rams into the red zone early in period number two.
Nacua’s first target on the drive was a seven-yard catch that set up first and goal.
Earning every. single. yard.
📺 @NFLonFOX | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/j04tfCmguX
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 10, 2026
Two plays later, Stafford took the snap before quickly pivoting to the left.
The veteran QB threw a laser to Nacua, who slipped a couple of tackles before absorbing a big hit as he crossed the goal line for his second touchdown.
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