League-leading stat proves how dangerous Rams WR Puka Nacua can be operating the middle of the field
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua impressed the world during his record-breaking rookie campaign but his debut season might even be better than advertised based on this league-leading stat. According to Pro Football Focus, Nacua had a 98.5 PFF grade on crossing routes, the highest mark in the NFL, and his 441 yards on […]
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua impressed the world during his record-breaking rookie campaign but his debut season might even be better than advertised based on this league-leading stat.
According to Pro Football Focus, Nacua had a 98.5 PFF grade on crossing routes, the highest mark in the NFL, and his 441 yards on crossing routes, including the playoffs, finished 180 yards more than the next-best receiver.
We all know during the season that Nacua was a beast with the ball in his hands and his route running ability was way better than expected coming into the league. Nacua excelled within Sean McVay's offensive scheme moving all over the formation and attacking at various locations downfield.
McVay was especially creative at using various motions with Nacua to create mismatches in coverage allowing him to continuously get open in the middle of the field. From there, it was easy to create a big play.
His work within the middle of the field is what really helped pave the way to his historic 2023 season. By the end of the season, Nacua finished tied with Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill for the fifth-most targets in the intermediate area of the field during the 2023 season. His 554 yards in that area ranked sixth among pass catchers.
By being such a reliable target who seemingly was always open, it's no secret as to why he and quarterback Matthew Stafford developed such a tight connection. Even after the catch, Nacua's aggressive play-style made things even better for the offense.
After such a dominate rookie campaign, it's going to be hard for Nacua to replicate that kind of season once again, especially with a healthy Cooper Kupp on the field.
"I think coming into this year, I think it definitely presents a challenge of just trying to reset the standard," Nacua said on NFL Network back in May. "Last year, from what I put on tape and tried to improve in the ways I know I'm capable of and then being there for my team in every which way coach [Sean] McVay asks a lot of us from the offensive side of the ball. I'm super excited for the challenges that come up this year."
It's going to be an exciting season for the Rams with a full healthy offense for Stafford to throw to. As for Nacua, his work so far this offseason training with Kupp is expected to pay off in a major way going into Year 2 in Los Angeles.
One Rams superstar may already be rubbing off on the future of the franchise in a massive way
Second-year star Puka Nacua spent time with Cooper Kupp training. Through OTAs, that extra time appears to have worked.
