Puka Nacua’s Remarkable Start Echoes Cooper Kupp’s Historic Rams Season
Puka Nacua is making headlines in the NFL this season, drawing comparisons to Cooper Kupp’s historic 2021 campaign with the Los Angeles Rams. Through four games, Nacua has completed 42 receptions for 503 yards and one touchdown, leading the league in both categories.
Puka Nacua’s Explosive Start
Nacua’s performance marks a remarkable beginning to his season, reminiscent of Kupp’s remarkable achievements. In the same period three years ago, Kupp recorded 30 receptions for 431 yards and five touchdowns. He ultimately finished the season with 145 receptions, 1,947 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
Upcoming Matchup Against the 49ers
The Rams are set to face the San Francisco 49ers, a team currently leading the NFC West with a 3-1 record. This matchup, happening at SoFi Stadium, will be pivotal as both teams vie for divisional supremacy.
- Rams’ record: 3-1
- 49ers’ record: 3-1
- Last week, Nacua caught 13 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown in a victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has praised Nacua’s play, indicating that his performance boosts the entire team’s morale. “His play style rubs off on everybody,” Stafford stated. Coaches and teammates alike share this sentiment, acknowledging Nacua’s ability to consistently make impressive catches.
Impact and Comparisons
Nacua’s numbers in his rookie season already set him apart. He recorded 39 catches for 501 yards in his first four games. By the season’s end, he established rookie records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards, despite playing just 11 games the following season, where he notched 79 catches and nearly 1,000 yards.
Despite the arrival of three-time All-Pro Davante Adams, Nacua continues to dominate in targets. As of now, he has been targeted 50 times, significantly overshadowing Adams’ 35 targets.
Physical Playing Style
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 212 pounds, Nacua excels at leveraging his physicality and speed to gain substantial yardage after catches. As reported, his 170 receiving yards last week positioned him second among wide receivers this season.
Nacua looks forward to facing the 49ers, known for their tough and physical style of play. Their strong defense is something Nacua appreciates and embraces, as he and the Rams seek to prove their identity on the field.
“That is a characteristic of their defense that they hold a lot of pride in,” he commented, signaling his eagerness to showcase the Rams’ strengths in their upcoming game.
