Colts Behind Enemy Lines: Rams WR Puka Nacua
The Indianapolis Colts are back at home this upcoming week as they prepare for the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, defeated this past Monday night by the Cincinnati Bengals, have a short week to prepare for Sunday’s showdown. Sean McVay and the Rams’ passing game schematically is one of the best systems in the NFL, led by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford..
Most people (myself included) expected the Rams’ offense to take a step back this season, but they are playing pretty well with all things considered. The offensive line is a question mark, but Stafford has been sharp. Running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Tutu Atwell, and tight end Tyler Higbee have all been solid contributors.
With all those things being said, the person who has really been the driving force behind this offense is the rookie wide receiver from BYU, Puka Nacua.
My history of watching Nacua is fairly short. I was introduced to him when I watched his film after he was announced for the Senior Bowl. His tape was pretty solid, but I walked away from it as him being a solid Day 3 wide receiver who could hopefully carve out a special teams role. He could maybe contribute on offense in a pinch.
Once I traveled to Mobile to see him in person, he had a little more juice to him, but nothing to make me move off my Day 3 stance. Once the Rams drafted Nacua, I thought that could be a good place for him simply because a coach like McVay could get the most out of him. The Rams’ scheme requires a guy like Nacua, who’s willing to line up in the slot and do the dirty work. Rams wide receivers in that role are almost treated like a TE with what they are asked to do.
When Cooper Kupp was placed on PUP, Nacua’s name was called, and he has answered. Through the first three weeks of the season, Nacua is second in the NFL with 30 catches and fourth in the NFL with 338 yards. He has been a seamless fit in the Kupp role.
Nacua has been used as a blocker in the run game, but he has been absolute money in the passing game from the slot. They use him a lot in a bunch of situations where he runs a ton of stop-crossers and in-breakers, where he’s managing to create just enough separation for Stafford to fit those throws in.
Puka has excellent hands and is a sneaky good athlete who makes a lot of plays you might not expect him to. McVay does a great job of scheming up looks for him when defenses play man, and when defenses are in zone, Nacua has a great feel for finding soft spots and settling in.
The Colts have their work cut out for them. Nacua does most of his damage underneath in a variety of ways. It’s not often you look to a group of linebackers to stop a receiver, but this is a unique case of the Colts' linebackers needing to be just as prepared as the cornerbacks.
Communication will be key to passing Nacua off as he knifes through zones, which will take a lot of work to handle. Stafford loves to attack between the numbers and will be looking to exploit the spine of the Colts’ defense.
Pass rushing must get after Stafford and keep him from getting comfortable. Getting a hand on Nacua at the line of scrimmage would also help disrupt timing as well. If the Colts do these things, I think they will be fine and pull off their first home win of the season.
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