Watching Puka Nacua play football is not for the faint of heart. The young Los Angeles Rams wide receiver has quickly made a name for himself with his trademark toughness and physicality – but those same qualities often lead to worrying moments for his coaches and teammates.
In the Rams’ Week 11 victory over the New England Patriots, Nacua delivered another highlight-reel play, diving to make an acrobatic touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone. The reception, which NFL Next Gen Stats gave a meager 13.5% chance of being completed, showcased Nacua’s talent and tenacity.
But the aftermath of the play was all too familiar. Nacua got the wind knocked out of him and threw up on the sideline before being evaluated for a concussion. While he was ultimately cleared to return, it served as another reminder of the tightrope Nacua walks with his playstyle.
A Rookie Sensation with a Reckless Streak
Nacua burst onto the scene as a rookie last season, setting NFL records for receptions and receiving yards by a first-year player. His willingness to sacrifice his body, both as a pass-catcher and a blocker, quickly endeared him to coaches and fans.
Rams head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur have raved about Nacua’s toughness and physicality. Even opposing coaches have taken notice, with one defensive coordinator calling Nacua and teammate Cooper Kupp “two of the toughest receivers” in the league.
“If you want to be on the field, you have to be willing to block. And that’s something that we pride ourselves on.”
– Cooper Kupp on the importance of physicality for Rams receivers
But that same hard-nosed approach has led to some scary moments. Nacua injured his knee in training camp this offseason and aggravated the injury in Week 1, landing him on injured reserve for five games. His penchant for blocking linebackers and safeties rather than shying away from contact also tends to put him in harm’s way.
Walking a Fine Line
The Rams have had to walk a fine line with Nacua, celebrating his competitive fire while also trying to rein him in at times for his own good. Kupp admitted the team had to “pull back” Nacua as a rookie and teach him to be more judicious about which defenders to engage.
Finding that balance is an ongoing process. Nacua’s ejection in Week 9 for throwing a punch showed he still has room to mature. As LaFleur noted, the young wideout’s reputation as a tough, physical player can make him a “target” for opponents trying to get under his skin.
“You’re like, ‘maybe he was taking his opportunity’ but I feel like it’s also a reminder for me that it’s my goal to come out there and bring it with the physicality every single play.”
– Puka Nacua on his mindset and the reactions it elicits
Managing the Risk-Reward
The Rams know they have a special talent in Nacua. His competitiveness and toughness are innate qualities they don’t want to coach out of him. But they also want him on the field and healthy, which requires striking a delicate risk-reward balance.
Kupp’s reaction to Nacua’s somersaulting touchdown grab against the Patriots captured the duality perfectly. Even as he celebrated the spectacular play, Kupp couldn’t help but wince at the hard landing, quipping “We’re working on landing softer.”
That push and pull will likely define Nacua’s tenure with the Rams, and perhaps his entire NFL career. His relentless physicality is a double-edged sword – the source of both his biggest triumphs and his most nerve-wracking moments.
As long as he’s on the field, Nacua will never shy away from a hit, a block, or an opportunity to make a play. The Rams can only hope to carefully manage the collateral damage that comes with his all-out approach, preserving their young star’s long-term health while still unleashing him to do what he does best.
