Rams vs. 49ers Notebook: Nacua Shines Again, Defense Can't Keep Up
The Los Angeles Rams were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers 30-23 on Sunday evening.
The two of them have very different expectations heading into Week 2 and the rest of the season, but the Rams' surprise victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 made Sunday's matchup more intriguing.
So, following the Rams' first game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Rams Offense Kept Up With 49ers in First Half
The 49ers couldn't have had a better start to the game, as quarterback Brock Purdy completed all of six of his attempts for 49 yards on the first drive. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey finished the drive off with a 14-yard rushing touchdown.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 5-of-6 attempts for 43 yards on the first drive, including a 15-yard connection with receiver Tutu Atwell. Receiver Van Jefferson hauled in an 11-yard pass that landed Los Angeles in the red zone, but a holding call by tight end Tyler Higbee backed them up and eventually forced a 43-yard field goal by Brett Maher.
Both teams had a few long gains in the first half, but the 49ers definitely led in that category. Rams receiver Puka Nacua and Atwell each had a couple of long receptions, but McCaffrey's 51-yard run and pass-catchers Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle's big plays were their main ways of setting up a score.
The Rams ran their offense with a much more methodical approach, as most of Stafford's throws were short-to-medium distances. Running back Kyren Williams was a crucial asset in their game plan as he scored on a six-yard flat route. He also ran one in from four yards out.
Stafford's accuracy at all distances in the first half—14-of-18 for 143 yards and a touchdown—led the Rams to a surprising 17-17 tie. Nacua and Atwell finished the half with a combined 11 receptions for 121 yards.
2. Rams Defense Showed Good Signs But Still Needs Improvement
As previously stated, the Rams' defense allowed a ton of long gains in the first half, but the offense made up for it by scoring and driving down the field at a calm pace.
The Rams were able to hold San Francisco to 17 points due to a variety of third-down stops, including a pass breakup in the red zone from cornerback Cobie Durant and a sack by edge rusher Byron Young.
However, cornerback Derion Kendrick had not one, but two red zone penalties towards the end of the first half that allowed Purdy to tie it.
In the second half, the Rams' offense had its moments, but their defense couldn't keep up, especially after a Stafford interception that popped up and out of Williams' hands.
49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk's wide-open 18-yard grab over the middle later set San Francisco up for a 57-yard field goal by Jake Moody.
The Rams punted the ball away three plays later, as 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner logged a third-down sack.
San Francisco took advantage, as Jennings leaped over Durant for a 31-yard reception. Samuel did the rest by juking around multiple defenders for an 11-yard score.
A few drives, another Stafford interception, and two more Maher field goals led to a 30-23 loss.
3. Puka Nacua is For Real
The main headline going into the Rams' season opener last week was that they would be without All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp, as he was sent to the injured reserve. Kupp missed the second half of last season due to an injury and the Rams' receiving group failed to have someone step up.
After hearing about Kupp's newest injury, the NFL community banked on receivers Van Jefferson and/or Tutu Atwell to exceed their average game totals. However, fifth-round rookie receiver Puka Nacua finished Week 1 with 10 receptions for 119 yards.
He even made history as the second player drafted in the fifth round or later with 100-plus receiving yards in his NFL debut.
Nacua was the most picked-up player on fantasy football waiver wires this past week, as millions hoped he'd replicate his historic performance.
And that he did.
As previously mentioned, Nacua shined in the first half against the renowned 49ers defense, but the second half was even better. Nacua finished the game with 15 receptions (on 20 targets) for 147 yards.
He broke the NFL record for most catches by a player in the first two games of his career. Remember, this was a fifth-round pick just a few months ago.
