CHARLOTTE, North Carolina \u2013\u00a0Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams are eying an always hard-earned road playoff win, taking a 17-14 halftime lead.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Playoff Puka is my favorite Puka. Already off to a great start.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_TV) January 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The former BYU Cougar and Orem Tiger standout finished the first half with 63 yards on six catches and two total touchdowns.<\/p>\n TWO TDS IN THE FIRST HALF \ud83d\ude33 <\/p>\n This is Puka Nacua’s first career game with multiple TDs in the first half (regular season or postseason) \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/UOI4CNR5Aq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Puka Nacua spearheads Rams\u2019 scoring drive<\/p>\n Los Angeles forced a turnover on downs to end the Panthers\u2019 first drive of the day after four plays.<\/p>\n Taking over at Carolina\u2019s 47, MVP candidate Matthew Stafford looked Nacua\u2019s way three times on a four-play scoring drive.<\/p>\n LA opened the day with a 16-yard Stafford to Nacua connection for 16 yards.<\/p>\n Following a five-yard pickup by running back Kyren Williams, Nacua caught a ten-yard pass, moving his team into the red zone.<\/p>\n That 9\u20e3 to 1\u20e32\u20e3 connection. \ud83e\udd0c<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NFLonFOX<\/a> | #RamsHouse<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vzZ517ahnL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n On the next play, Nacua ran a slant over the middle before catching a dart from Stafford for a 14-yard TD.<\/p>\n Lateral gives Nacua second rushing TD of season<\/p>\n Defensive back Cobie Durant got Los Angeles the football back with 5:43 left in the first period, setting up another scoring drive.<\/p>\n Run-heavy play-calling led the Rams into the red zone early in period number two.<\/p>\n Nacua\u2019s first target on the drive was a seven-yard catch that set up first and goal.<\/p>\n Earning every. single. yard. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NFLonFOX<\/a> | #RamsHouse<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/j04tfCmguX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 10, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Two plays later, Stafford took the snap before quickly pivoting to the left.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n About #LocalsInTheNFL<\/p>\n For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.<\/p>\n Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.<\/p>\n From highlights to trades and other breaking news,\u00a0check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.<\/a><\/p>\n Chandler\u00a0Holt is a co-host of the\u00a0Jazz Notes podcast<\/a>, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for\u00a0KSLSports.com<\/a>. Follow\u00a0Chandler on X<\/a>\u00a0for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.<\/p>\n Take us with you, wherever you go.<\/p>\n Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah\u2019s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video, and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.<\/a><\/p>\n Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian\u2019s Bees and Beehive baseball\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0Find Brian on\u00a0X,<\/a>\u00a0Instagram,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0BlueSky<\/a>\u00a0at @bpreece24.<\/p>\n