Nacua carries Rams offense after Adams injury
The receiver posted 19 catches for 148 yards in two games while teammates saw minimal targets.
By Alyssa Parker ·
Puka Nacua has served as a focal point for the Los Angeles Rams offense for four seasons, but his role has expanded sharply since Davante Adams was placed on the injured list with a severe hamstring issue.
In the two games following Adams' absence, Nacua was targeted 22 times. He caught 19 passes for 148 yards and scored two touchdowns. The Rams defeated the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers during that span.
Offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase described Nacua's versatility as a strength. Scheelhaase said Nacua finds ways to make plays at every level of the passing game, whether downfield, on shorter routes, or in the run game.
The disparity in usage is evident among the other wide receivers. Tutu Atwell has two receptions since Adams' injury. Konata Mumpfield has one catch. Jordan Whittington has no receptions in that period. Adams was injured late in a 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on October 18.
The limited use of Atwell, Mumpfield, and Whittington reflects the Rams' shift toward multiple tight end formations over the last two seasons. It also indicates how effectively Nacua adapts to the various demands of head coach Sean McVay's system.
Nacua attacks deep defenses, runs screen passes off the line of scrimmage, and shows the toughness to catch balls in the middle of the field. His elusiveness allows him to generate big plays. He also carries the ball on runs near the goal line and in short-yardage situations.
In the run game, Nacua frequently acts as a blocker at the point of attack. He moves through the formation to serve as an obstacle, protecting running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum from defenders at the line of scrimmage. Scheelhaase noted that the team misses Nacua's receiving touch, but values his ability to deliver jet sweep blocks.
