Rams Coach Sean McVay is relying on receiver Puka Nacua to help the 7-6 team climb back into the playoff hunt. In his second year with the team, McVay has designed various ways to get Nacua the ball in open space. Since returning from a knee injury in Week 8, Nacua has caught 50 receptions for 673 yards and three touchdowns, ranking No. 2 in receptions and yards over that stretch.
The Rams are tenth in wide receiver screens since the start of 2023 and fourth in receiver runs, with Nacua being one of the best runners in the league. This allows McVay to get his explosive playmaker out on the open field with a head of steam, ready to make big plays at the second level of the defense.
Nacua praised his route-running on several occasions, including a play against the Bills where he made a toe-tapping grab along the sideline, saying he “cut a little bit early” but was “ready to break open.” He has carried the ball nine times this season, gaining 35 yards and scoring a touchdown.
Rams offensive coach Mike LaFleur discussed Nacua’s dropped passes, saying that besides getting open, the ability to catch the ball was the receiver’s second-largest responsibility. Nacua has dropped just one catch in 75 targets, a significant improvement from his inaugural season when he led the league with nine drops.