Rams show path to utilize Kupp and Nacua together
Fifth-round rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has had a historic start of his NFL career in terms of volume and production. The first aspect was, at least in part, based on the fact that star receiver Cooper Kupp missed the first four games of the season because of a hamstring injury. But Kupp was back […]
Fifth-round rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has had a historic start of his NFL career in terms of volume and production. The first aspect was, at least in part, based on the fact that star receiver Cooper Kupp missed the first four games of the season because of a hamstring injury.
But Kupp was back on Sunday, versus the Philadelphia Eagles, and Rams head coach Sean McVay showed it's possible to utilize both players at a high rate, and both can be productive at the same time, even if they theoretically have similar roles within the offense.
Over the first month of the season, the Rams played with Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell, and Van Jefferson as their three starting wide receivers. And with Kupp back, there was no rotation. Jefferson was benched, and that was pretty much it. Between the starters, though, there was a rotation in terms of role in each play. According to PFF, all of them ran from 21 to 23 routes from the slot.
In terms of production, playcaller Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford showed how much they trust Nacua. He was targeted 11 times, finishing the game with seven receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. In comparison, Cooper Kupp had 12 targets to eight receptions and 118 yards. Tutu Atwell was the clear third option, with five targets, two receptions, nine yards and a touchdown.
Before the game, McVay highlighted that, even though Kupp and Nacua have similarities, it's possible to build a passing offense around their complementary abilities.
"I've been in situations, whether you go back to Washington or I could go on throughout the seven years, this being Year 7, of guys that can do similar things," McVay said. "But when you're in a good position to be able to bring to life some of those skillsets. And I think it is good for guys to have complementary skillsets, which I think those two do of one another as well, but you look at it and it's a fun thing to be able to work through."
Long-term duo
The best thing about McVay finding a way to utilize Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua together is that both could align into the Rams roster-building timeline. Kupp is 30 years old already, but his style of play doesn't depend on pure athleticism. As a technician, he can extend his career for more time. Moreover, Kupp is under contract with the Rams through 2026 — his cap figures are $17.36 million this season, $29.78 million in 2024, $29.78 million in 2025, and $27.33 million in 2026.
Nacua was drafted this year, so he also has three years left on his deal beyond this season. And as a fifth-rounder, his cap numbers are much cheaper: $811k in 2023, $976k in 2024, $1.091 million in 2025, and $1.206 million in 2026.
Beyond being effective options for this season, when the Rams are not even expected to compete for a championship, Kupp and Nacua can be useful offensive pieces for the long term, which means they are essential parts of some kind of rebuilding process.
This year has been an evaluation period for the Rams, trying to find and establish new building blocks. Puka Nacua has shown good initial signs, and Cooper Kupp coming back to the lineup hasn't negatively affected what he can deliver for the offense. It's a big development for what the Rams want to do.
Rookie phenom Puka Nacua is the storyline for the Rams through four weeks
It is a special start to the season.
