Rams vs. Seahawks Notebook: Puka Nacua Thrills, L.A. Defense Dominates
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in their regular season opener on Sunday evening.
The two of them have very different expectations heading into the regular season, but they shared the same objective of wanting to start the year on a strong note.
So, following the Rams' first game of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Puka Nacua Impresses In Rookie Debut
The main headline going into the Rams season opener against the Seahawks 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 surprised during the first half of his NFL debut, as he logged five receptions for 71 yards.
Nacua shined during training camp and his elevation on the depth chart reflects that. His route running and yards after catch in the first half resembled Kupp's best assets. Nevertheless, Nacua connected with Kupp while he was at Washington State and has been under his mentorship ever since.
Nacua finished the game with 10 receptions for 119 yards. Although it's just one game, Nacua proved that he belongs on the roster and should be a starter until Kupp returns.
He even made history as the second player drafted in the fifth round or later with 100-plus receiving yards in his NFL debut.
2. Stafford and the Run Game
Like Kupp, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford also missed the second half of last season. However, even when healthy, the 35-year-old struggled.
Stafford has mentioned on numerous occasions throughout training camp how happy he is to return and is hoping he's back to his 2021 Pro Bowl/Super Bowl-winning self.
Stafford and Nacua were the Rams' offensive duo against Seattle, but Atwell and Higbee also made some big-time plays. Stafford finished the game completing 24-of-38 attempts for 334 yards.
Nevertheless, the Rams' run game also had some notable moments.
Rams coach Sean McVay said during the offseason that running back Akers would be a "central figure" in this year's offense. However, against the Seahawks, Akers and second-year running back Kyren Williams split carries.
Akers logged four carries, while Williams added eight and a touchdown. The duo continued to split snaps in the second half, as they were responsible for all three of the Rams' touchdowns (Akers-1, Williams-2).
Despite this remarkable achievement, Akers and Williams didn't gain a lot of yards. Williams logged 15 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns, while Akers logged 22 carries for 29 yards and one touchdown.
While they made big plays in the endzone, they didn't do much out of it. They definitely have things to improve on, but the rest of the offense can thank them for the points.
3. Ernest Jones Leads Dominant Defense
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris stressed during training camp that he needs a young player to step up as a leader on his side of the ball. 23-year-old linebacker Ernest Jones might have emerged as the answer to Morris' prayers.
Jones is entering his third season in the NFL after winning the Super Bowl in year one, then going 5-12 in year two. Jones had two of the best linebackers of the decade as leaders in Von Miller (2021) and Bobby Wagner (2022).
Jones finished with 114 tackles while playing 66 percent of snaps last season and only trailed Wagner for the most on the team. Wagner signed with the Seahawks and played against Jones and his former team on Sunday.
Jones utilized what Wagner and Miller taught him throughout the offseason and earned one of the team's captain roles because of it. The Rams had three tackles for loss against the Seahawks...all of them were by Jones. Jones also led Los Angeles in total tackles with eight.
The rest of the Rams' defense had an excellent outing, especially when going after Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. Defensive linemen Aaron Donald, Byron Young, Michael Hoecht, and Kobie Turner each recorded 0.5 sacks. Cornerback Cobie Durant and linebacker Zach VanValkenburg also tallied a quarterback hit.
