Puka Nacua is one of the best wideouts in football. But he is excited to have arguably the top wide receiver of the past decade opposite him this season.
The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver expressed his exuberance about getting to learn from another elite offensively talented player during an appearance on NFL Network on Tuesday.
Nacua, the 2023 Sporting News NFL Rookie of the Year who also made the Pro Bowl that year, averaged more yards per game (90) in his second season than in his first year — despite missing six games with a knee injury sustained in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
Still, Nacua finished with 990 yards in 11 games and three receiving touchdowns, plus a rushing score, helping the Rams reach the playoffs. There, he had 141 yards in two postseason games, including a six-catch, 97-yard game in LA’s narrow 28-22 loss to the eventual-Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
What Did Puka Nacua Say About Playing With Davante Adams?
Nacua acknowledged how lucky he has been to learn from some of the best offensive players ever in just three years with the Rams. He also included his offensive-minded coach.
“The ability to learn from another all-time great has been — I feel like I’m stealing — I’m like a kid in the candy store,” Nacua said on “The Insiders” on Tuesday. “I’ve had Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and now Davante Adams. My life is pretty good, I can’t complain too much. It’s gonna be fun.”
Nacua made no bones about his excitement about playing with Adams, the three-time All-Pro, who he has already learned from.
“Davante, as soon as he stepped into the facility has been fantastic,” Nacua said. “[Adams]Â is gonna lead the way for us, and it’s gonna be fantastic to be out there on the football field with him.”
What Is Puka Nacua Learning From Davante Adams?
Nacua is already one of the top young wideouts in the game and has achieved that status with a stunning two-year run with the Rams.
But Nacua knows what he is hoping to learn from Adams.
“Route running,” Nacua said. “His ability to change pace while he’s moving on the football field, the ability to win against negative leverage, his suddenness at the line of scrimmage, it’s fantastic to see.
“To be able to see it in person and be lining up right next to him, it makes sure you have all the gas turned on when you’re going out there with [Adams].”
The Rams had room to sign Adams to a two-year, $44 million contract by parting ways with Kupp, the MVP of Super Bowl LVI. But with that dynamic duo, and re-signed wideout Tutu Atwell, Nacua is confident in the LA receivers room.
“We signed Tutu back,” Nacua said. “We’ve got some speed, we got a bunch of young guys who are excited to play.”
The Rams will open training camp next week, and Nacua already shared what he is most excited about.
“I can’t wait to see the guys,” Nacua said. “I just want to see Matthew Stafford spin it. That’s my favorite part of the day. As soon as that first practice comes out and you see that ball spinning right, I’m like, ah, things will be well in the world.”
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