Rams Puka Nacua Had Skillset On Display in Cooper Kupp's Absence
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua played five games in Seattle across two seasons with the Washington Huskies, but never had as good of a receiving day as he did in his NFL debut.
As All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp will sit the first four weeks on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury, head coach Sean McVay and the Rams were looking for who would help fill the void in the receiving game. Nacua proved Sunday in the Rams' 30-13 win against the Seattle Seahawks he can be a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw to, setting Los Angeles' rookie NFL debut receiving yards record.
"Puka Nacua's come in, and he's as mature a rookie as I've ever been around," McVay said after the game. "He is a physical, tough, strong player. He's got a great way about himself."
Nacua's first career reception came on a hook route in the middle of the Seahawks' defensive zone for a 10-yard gain. At first glance, it appeared to be a solid, every-day NFL completion, not one that would lead to a 10-catch, 119-yard receiving day — very similar numbers to what Kupp might post on a weekly basis.
Later in the drive, Nacua ran an out route, spinning off a tackle and turning upfield for 16 yards that set up running back Kyren Williams' first of two rushing touchdowns. That route showed Nacua's growth: being ready for the ball, running a crisp route, and getting yards after the catch through contact.
Stafford was mic'd up in training camp earlier and there were times he'd coach up the receivers, including Nacua on his pre-snap stance set-up, and that 16-yard completion felt as though it was a byproduct of the 15-year NFL veteran's preseason coaching.
Nacua's most impressive catch on the day came on a post route to the sideline on a third-and-8 from Los Angeles' own 27-yard line. Nacua beat cornerback Michael Jackson, reached out for Stafford's pass and dotted both feet down in bounds for a gain of 20 yards.
In addition to the 16-yard first-quarter completion, the Provo, Utah, native almost had his first career touchdown again with about five minutes to go in the fourth. Stafford looked his way and Nacua had his man beat on a fly route, but he was slightly overthrown, laying out to try and make the catch.
Nacua joined Allen Hurns as just the second player since 2000 who was drafted in the fifth round or later to have at least 100 receiving yards in his NFL debut.
Nacua showed his versatile skillset and toughness that can translate to being a viable asset in the Rams' passing game even after Kupp's return.
