Rams-Saints takeaways: Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson catching fire

The Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints, 30-22, on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.

What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 8-7 and strengthened their bid for an NFC playoff spot:

The Saints had difficulties keeping up with Rams receiver Puka Nacua.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Nacua caught nine passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 16 yards and recovered an onside kick. Nacua, a fifth-round draft pick, has 96 catches for 1,327 yards.

With two games left, he could break NFL records for most catches and yards receiving by a rookie.

Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins had a rookie record 104 catches last season. Bill Groman of the Houston Oilers amassed a rookie record 1,473 yards in 1960.

Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson had six catches on six targets in the first half, one for a touchdown.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

For the fourth consecutive game, Robinson caught a touchdown pass.

The veteran had six receptions for 82 yards, including a 32-yard catch to start a drive that ended with his four-yard touchdown.

Robinson has been particularly effective at finding space when quarterback Matthew Stafford extends plays out of the pocket.

Robinson has 20 catches for 279 yards.

Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) is congratulated by teammates after his interception against the Saints.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Safety Jordan Fuller intercepted a pass in the third quarter to set up a touchdown that gave the Rams a 20-point lead. It was Fuller’s second interception this season.

For the third game in a row, however, the Rams gave up costly explosive plays. It cost them in a defeat to the Baltimore Ravens and nearly did them in against the Washington Commanders and the Saints.

Nearly every NFL team has talented skill players, making it impossible for defenses to be perfect.

But for the Rams to close out a playoff run — and advance in the postseason if they get there — they must shore up the back end.

Rams kicker Lucas Havrisik (8) made three of four field-goal attempts against the Saints.

(Ashley Landis / Associated Press)

Kicker Lucas Havrisik is once again trying coach Sean McVay’s patience.

The rookie kicked three field goals but missed a 47-yard attempt in the second quarter that zapped the Rams’ momentum and prevented them from taking a 13-0 lead.

It turned into a 10-point swing when the Saints scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass.

Havrisik also missed a momentum-swing kick in Sunday’s victory over the Washington Commanders.

Will the Rams — who signed and released veteran Mason Crosby a few weeks ago — bring in another kicker to replace or push Havrisik?

The Saints also blocked a punt late in the game. That led to a touchdown pass and two-point conversion that pulled the Saints to within eight points.

Turner sacked Derek Carr for nine yards on a fourth-and-five play in the second quarter. The Rams capitalized by driving for a field goal and a 10-0 lead. Turner, with 6½ sacks, moved ahead of star Aaron Donald and fellow rookie Byron Young, who each have six sacks.