Philadelphia Eagles 'Really Impressed' with Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams rookie phenom Puka Nacua exploded onto the scene in the first four games of his career, leading the NFL in receptions (39) and ranking second in receiving yards (501).
But with star receiver Cooper Kupp returning from injury in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, questions emerged about whether Nacua could continue his torrid pace.
Now, after the 22-year-old's performance in Sunday's 23-14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, no such questions exist.
Instead, Nacua, who caught seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, walked away with immense respect from Philadelphia, as cornerback James Bradberry noted he and Kupp are "special" while coach Nick Sirianni was full of praise for the fifth-round pick.
"It was a group effort right there to take the rookie, man, he's a good player," Sirianni said. "It was impressive to see him live, and you can see why he's done what he's done so far. I was really impressed with him."
Rams receiver Puka Nacua stiff-arms Eagles safety Reed Blankenship.
USA TODAY Sports
Nacua's 71 yards were a season-low and his seven receptions were the second fewest, though his 11 targets were third-most this season. In comparison, it was a down week for Nacua - which speaks volumes about how productive his rookie season has been.
Still, Rams coach Sean McVay believes Nacua and Kupp, who caught eight passes for 118 yards, both played well, and the goal moving forward will be finding ways to maximize their individual skill sets.
On Nacua specifically, McVay remained complimentary of the former BYU star's performance against Philadelphia.
"I thought Puka did a nice job," McVay said. "He had a couple uncharacteristic plays, whether it be assignment wise or execution in the run game, but I did love the way he responded, especially in the two-minute right before the half. He makes a big catch and run for six yards on the screen on a second down and short and then obviously the fade ball that he caught was big time."
Together, Nacua and Kupp caught 15 of quarterback Matthew Stafford's 21 completions and generated 189 of Stafford's 222 passing yards, or 85 percent of his total.
Only three other Rams - tight end Tyler Higbee, receiver TuTu Atwell and running back Kyren Williams - caught passes, with each player hauling in a pair of targets.
But the focus remains on Nacua and Kupp, who proved they can coexist ... and the former's stellar rookie season appears poised to continue with no clear blockades in his way.
The duo will look to continue making plays this Sunday, when the Rams (2-3) host the Arizona Cardinals (1-4) at 1:25 p.m. inside SoFi Stadium.
