Tag: Puka Nacua

Another one of Puka Nacua’s impressive rookie records was just broken

Puka Nacua’s rookie record for receiving yards in a playoff game lasted just one year after Ladd McConkey broke it on Saturday

Puka Nacua put together one of the best rookie seasons ever by a wide receiver in 2023, but two of his most impressive records have already been broken. Not only did Brock Bowers (and Malik Nabers) surpass Nacua’s record for receptions by a rookie in one season with 112 catches, but Ladd McConkey eclipsed another one of Puka’s marks on Saturday.

With his 197 yards against the Texans on Saturday, McConkey broke Nacua’s record for the most receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game. Nacua had 181 yards and a touchdown last year against the Lions.

It’s amazing how quickly both Bowers and McConkey overtook Nacua on those two lists, but it’s also a testament to how great the 2024 class of rookie pass-catchers has been.

Nacua still has perhaps the most important record of all, though. He holds the mark for the most receiving yards in a season by a rookie with 1,486 yards, breaking Bill Groman’s record of 1,473 yards, which was set way back in 1960. Brian Thomas Jr. came the closest to breaking Nacua’s record this year with 1,282 yards for the Jaguars.

Even with two of his records being broken, no single individual has ever matched the collective rookie season that Nacua had in 2023.

Rams have no 2024 All-Pros but these 5 players received votes

The Rams didn’t have any All-Pro selections this season but 5 players did receive consideration from voters

The Associated Press revealed its first- and second-team All-Pro selections for the 2024 season on Friday and the Los Angeles Rams were absent from both lists. They had no first-team All-Pro selections, which is just the second time that’s happened since 2015 (thanks to Aaron Donald).

As disappointing as it is for the Rams to have no All-Pros, five players did receive votes from the panel. They were at least in the conversation for being All-Pros, but they didn’t get enough votes to earn a spot.

  • WR Puka Nacua: 9 votes (1 first place)
  • RG Kevin Dotson: 1 vote
  • DT Kobie Turner: 3 votes
  • P Ethan Evans: 6 votes (2 first place)
  • ST Michael Hoecht: 3 votes

Puka Nacua led the way for the Rams with nine total votes, including one first-place vote. He was 10th among all wide receivers in voting. Kevin Dotson received one vote at right guard, putting him eighth at his position.

On defense, the Rams had just one player in consideration: Kobie Turner. The standout defensive tackle received three votes, which was 11th-best in that group.

On special teams, Ethan Evans didn’t quite make the cut but he received six votes, two of which were first-place votes. Only five punters received more votes than Evans. Michael Hoecht received three votes as a special teams player, eighth at that position. He blocked three kicks this season.

Puka Nacua, Rams share messages for those impacted by Palisades fire

Puka Nacua and the Rams each shared a message for those impacted by the Palisades wildfire, as well as the first responders protecting the community

Tens of thousands of people in Southern California have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the devastating wildfire that has destroyed 1,000 structures in the area and burned more than 5,000 acres. While it’s unclear if the Palisades fire has had any impact on Rams players, coaches or their families, the team is keeping the community in its thoughts during this heartbreaking time.

The Rams shared the following message on social media Tuesday as the uncontrollable fire ravaged the Palisades: “Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe.”

Puka Nacua also thanked the first responders fighting the blaze, thinking of the families who have been affected.

Cooper Kupp posted a similar message, thanking firefighters and everyone who is “doing their best in unfathomable circumstances.

Puka Nacua’s return in Week 8 caught Brian Flores and the Vikings off guard

Puka Nacua unexpectedly returned to the Rams’ lineup in Week 8, which Brian Flores admits caught the Vikings by surprise

Back in Week 8, Puka Nacua surprised everyone when he returned from injured reserve in time to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football.

Even Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was shocked he was on the field.

The Rams gave almost no indication that Nacua would be ready to go against Minnesota in that game and he barely practiced leading up to the game, only getting in one limited day and one walkthrough. Naturally, the Vikings didn’t think he’d play.

Ahead of Monday night’s playoff game, Flores told reporters that the Vikings were caught off guard by Nacua’s return, only finding out hours before kickoff that he’d be available. Nacua made his presence felt right away with a seven-catch, 106-yard performance in the Rams’ win, picking up where he left off before his knee injury.

Nacua has been the catalyst for the Rams’ turnaround this season, playing a huge role in their resurgence since he came back in Week 8.

The Vikings will probably have a much better plan for slowing down Nacua this time around, but even the best defenses have had no answer for the star receiver. It’s a real challenge to slow him down, let alone stop him.

Rams benching several starters for Week 18, potentially impacting Commanders’ playoff opponent

The Rams aren’t worried about Week 18. How does it impact the Commanders?

With a win against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Washington Commanders will secure the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs. Last week, they clinched a playoff spot and moved ahead of the Green Bay Packers for the sixth seed.

Why does one spot matter? The Commanders could avoid a Wild Card round rematch against the Eagles — who they beat two weeks ago —in Philadelphia in what’s expected to be frigid weather. Instead, Washington would either head West to play in Los Angeles against the Rams or South to Tampa to play the Buccaneers.

There are no easy outs in the playoffs. Everyone is good. It’s not like Washington is afraid of Philadelphia. The Commanders beat them once and held the lead over them for three-quarters in their other meeting. However, it’s about strategy.

Head coach Dan Quinn said earlier this week that the higher seed mattered for the Commanders and they were going for it.

“Yeah, we’re going to go after as hard as we can,” Quinn said. “I think the seeding portion of this is really important, and that’s what we discussed as a team. We thought last night the vibe was awesome at the game. We thought we left some plays out there, and so for us that leveling up as we’re heading into this week with Dallas would be really important. But we recognize having a six seed and going into the playoffs with that is a good thing. And so, we’re going to fight like hell to keep that.”

The Rams have already clinched the NFC West. They will enter the playoffs either as the No. 3 or 4 seed. Head coach Sean McVay apparently isn’t too concerned because L.A. will host its Wild Card opponent.

This week, McVay said several starters would not play in the regular-season finale against the Seahawks. McVay ruled out Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, Kevin Dotson, and Alaric Jackson.

Washington’s other potential Wild Card opponent, the Buccaneers, is playing everyone because they need to win. A Tampa Bay loss and a Falcons win would mean the Buccaneers are out of the playoffs. The Bucs host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

If Tampa and Washington win, and the Rams lose, the Commanders and Bucs will have a Week 1 rematch in the Wild Card round. In this scenario, the Rams would host the loser of the NFC North game between the Lions and Vikings, which, on paper, appears to be a tougher matchup for Los Angeles.

Regardless of what happens elsewhere, the Commanders are locked in on beating the Cowboys and letting the rest take care of itself.

Puka Nacua has actually been better in Year 2, and Sean McVay explains why

Puka Nacua’s rookie season was historic but the numbers suggest he’s been better in Year 2 – and Sean McVay agrees with that premise

Puka Nacua’s rookie season was unforgettable. He set the NFL record for the most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a first-year player, bursting onto the scene as a fifth-round rookie out of BYU.

His performance was a big reason the Rams managed to make the playoffs in 2023 and similarly, his absence early in the 2024 campaign directly contributed to Los Angeles’ slow start.

Since returning from a knee injury that cost him five games, Nacua has been borderline unstoppable. He has 990 yards and 79 catches in 11 games, posting five games with at least 100 yards and four games with nine-plus catches.

Everyone will remember his remarkable rookie year in 2023 but he’s actually been better this season. As Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports points out, Nacua is having one of the best seasons by a wide receiver since 2014, ranking first in successful targets per route, first in explosive receptions per route and second in first downs per route run.

There are other numbers to back up the case that Nacua’s 2024 season has been better than his rookie year, too.

His success rate is 63.2% this season, up from 56.9% last year. He’s averaging 7.2 receptions per game and 90.0 yards per game, both of which are career-highs; he averaged 6.2 receptions and 87.4 yards per game in 2023. He’s caught 74.5% of his targets (65.6% in 2023), as well.

Sean McVay talked to J.B. Long on the “Coach McVay Show” about Nacua’s second season and he agrees: Puka has been better in Year 2.

He explained why, and it’s not just because his stats are improved.

“I think so. I think there’s been a consistency. I think there’s an ability to understand and impact the game,” he said. “He was tremendous last year and I think he was learning and growing. One of the things I love about him is the accountability that he always takes. I think he’s caught the ball consistently well. He’s had a lot of different targets. I think he’s made some of these incredible catches. … I think the body of work, the resume, the consistency, the understanding of how to take my game to another level. And then the attention he gets than what he got in his rookie year, and for him to still be able to produce the way that he did, to have the rapport he’s had with Matthew. It’s been special, and I definitely think he’s gotten better in Year 2. And I don’t think the stats is the best way to measure it. it’s what does the product look like snap in and snap out. What’s being asked of him? He’s been a stud.”

With Nacua healthy, the Rams are a dangerous team in the NFC. And long-term, he’s going to make them a threat to contend for a title year in and year out.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers breaks rookie receptions record

The rookie phenom is breaking records in bunches now. The latest is the rookie receptions record, surpassing Rams receiver Puka Nacua.

With the rookie tight end receiving yards record already in hand, Bowers set his sights on the next record — the rookie receptions record. To be clear that’s not just the record for rookie tight ends. It’s the record at any position.

When he got the rookie tight end receiving yards record, it came on his 104th catch of the season. Meaning he was just two catches away from breaking Puka Nacua’s record for rookie receptions (105), set last season.

Bowers would tie the rookie receptions record later in the same drive he set the new rookie tight end receiving yards mark. He would break the record late in the third quarter.

It came on an 11-yard catch with three minutes left in the third quarter.

This record put him two catches away from the Raiders franchise single-season receptions record set by Darren Waller in 2020.  He figures to break that one too today, so stay tuned.

Puka Nacua already in the Rams’ top 20 for career receiving yards after only 28 games

Puka Nacua hasn’t even finished his second NFL season and he already has more receiving yards than all but 19 players in Rams history

Puka Nacua has been the focal point of the Rams’ passing offense since he was drafted. He once again dazzled with 10 catches for 129 yards against the Cardinals on Saturday, accounting for 10 of Matthew Stafford’s 17 completions and 129 of his 189 passing yards.

His quick start shattered the rookie record books for both the Rams and the NFL, cementing himself as one of the league’s best.

The Rams have been home to some of the best pass catchers in NFL history, including Hall of Famers Isaac Bruce and Elroy Hirsch, along with triple-crown winner Cooper Kupp.

However, Nacua is determined to eclipse all of them and he took another big step in doing so on Saturday. With his 129 yards, he’s already cracked the top 20 for career receiving yards by a Rams player.

It should be noted that Nacua has appeared in only 28 career games, missing time earlier this season due to a nagging knee injury.

Nacua’s 2,476 yards put him just ahead of Kenny Britt’s 2,431 yards. Britt’s total came in 47 career games with the franchise, which shows how quickly Nacua has risen up the ranks in Rams history.

Puka Nacua unsure if Travis Hunter can remain a two-way player in the NFL

Puka Nacua is excited to see Travis Hunter in the NFL but he’s not sure if he can play regularly on offense and defense like he did at Colorado

Travis Hunter is most likely going to be a star in the NFL after putting together a remarkable and historic career in college. The Heisman Trophy winner will be a top pick in the upcoming draft, whether he’s viewed as a cornerback or receiver at the next level.

He was a two-way player at Colorado and was outstanding on both sides of the ball, but Puka Nacua isn’t sure he’ll be able to sustain that workload in the pros. He says it “definitely would be a challenge,” but Nacua says Hunter has a “great skill set” and is excited to see him take his talents to the NFL.

The Rams won’t be in position to draft Hunter so we unfortunately won’t see him paired with Nacua at wide receiver or Cobie Durant in the secondary, but he’s going to be a must-see player no matter where he’s selected.

Hunter is a generational talent who could excel at two different positions, making him unlike any other player in the draft.

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua ready for challenge of facing All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are excited to face Sauce Gardner, who’s a 2-time All-Pro and one of the best lockdown corners in football

Things haven’t gone according to plan for the New York Jets this season but Sauce Gardner remains one of the best corners in football. He’s allowed a completion rate of only 54.3% and has six pass breakups compared to only one touchdown allowed.

That’s what the Los Angeles Rams’ receivers will be up against on Sunday afternoon when they visit the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are prepared for the challenge of facing Gardner, particularly when they line up on the right side of the formation where Sauce typically resides.

Both Kupp and Nacua had high praise for Gardner ahead of this weekend’s game.

“Man, he’s a really good football player,” Kupp said Thursday. “From a corner perspective, technique, his ability, his understanding of who he is as a corner. You see plays to his own strengths. I think they obviously have a lot of trust in him. Man, he’s a good football player. This is the first time I’ve had an opportunity to really look at him and yeah, he’s a really good football player. Going to be a great challenge.”

Though the Rams move their receivers around the formation pretty frequently, Kupp typically runs his routes from the slot. That will minimize the snaps he has with Gardner lined up across from him because Sauce usually stays on the outside rather than following receivers into the slot.

Kupp isn’t the No. 1 receiver in the Rams offense anymore anyway, so he’s not going to get the shadow treatment from Gardner. Nacua, on the other hand, could see No. 1 following him around the field a bit more.

He was asked what stands out about Gardner’s game and he mentioned the cornerback’s size, comparing him to Patrick Surtain II and Jalen Ramsey.

“A big body. I think some of the modern DBs across the NFL, if you guys look at Patrick Surtain, Jalen Ramsey and some of these guys that have the bigger body build,” Nacua said. “I got a chance to see him just a little bit, even if it was just seven-on-seven in the Pro Bowl. You see somebody, you get to gauge how they move and see the size and length that he has. We’re excited for the challenge and everybody in our receiver room is.”

By his standards, Gardner is having a down year in 2024. His 81.0 passer rating allowed is the highest of his career, and his nine penalties committed are nearly as many as he had in his first two seasons combined (10).

Still, he’s only given up one touchdown and 25 receptions, were are both the fewest in his career.