Cowboys' Lamb Ranks Rams' Nacua, Kupp, Stafford Among Top Quarterback-Receiver Duos
The Los Angeles Rams rode the backs of an electric offense to the playoffs, exceeding every expectation by way of Matthew Stafford’s gunslinging. The emergence of running back Kyren Williams and receiver Puka Nacua gave head coach Sean McVay the tools necessary to succeed, and the football world took notice.
Nacua established himself as one of the league’s top receivers in his rookie season, challenging veteran counterpart Cooper Kupp for the title of best weapon in Los Angeles.
Both are firmly in the conversation for one of the best receiver/quarterback combinations in the sport. How does another member of that conversation stack them up?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after scoring a second quarter touchdown during the at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons welcomed his teammate, receiver CeeDee Lamb, onto his podcast, “The Edge.” There, Lamb discussed his personal favorite duos, which unsurprisingly – and justifiably – includes himself and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
His rankings weren’t in any particular order. But of his five, he listed Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Miami Dolphins’ battery of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, and himself.
The other two? Stafford and Kupp, and Stafford and Nacua.
“You know who’s actually having a crazy year? Puka,” Lamb said. “Puka’s really nice. I was actually with him on the Pro Bowl. Certain movements you see in receivers, and as a receiver you watch other receivers. Puka’s smooth, man.”
Nacua set the rookie record for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) on his way to second place in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award voting. Kupp, meanwhile, posted 59 receptions for 737 yards and five scores in 2023. However, he’s just two seasons removed from winning the Triple Crown with 145 catches, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
“I like Matt Stafford with either Puka or a healthy Cooper Kupp,” Lamb said. “Either one. Matt Stafford is crazy. I’m not even gonna hold you. He’s nice.”
Stafford threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns on his way to becoming a Comeback Player of the Year award finalist. More importantly, he re-established himself as a franchise quarterback and the Rams as a legitimately dangerous team in the NFC.
As long as those three are healthy, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles not posing a threat in 2024.
