Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua 'Can't be Underestimated!' Says Washington Commanders' Ron Rivera

The Washington Commanders face the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, and Ron Rivera knows the dangers that rookie receiver Puka Nacua presents.

The Washington Commanders are coming off their late-season bye week refreshed and ready to go against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

With the Commanders in freefall after losing six of their last seven games, the team is looking for a bounce-back effort on Sunday - but that will be tough against a resurgent Rams team.

As head coach Ron Rivera has taken over the defensive play-calling duties after Jack Del Rio was fired, one player that Rivera will need to keep tabs on is rookie receiver Puka Nacua.

“He plays fast, he really does,” Rivera said. “He's got a little bit of a buildup speed, but he uses his quickness off the ball, and then as he gets going, he plays hard. I think that can't be underestimated this league because all the guy needs is a chance to get even with you. And as they say, if he gets even, he's going to be leaving.”

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera knows how dangerous Puka Nacua can be if given the chance / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Nacua has been a revelation for the Rams this season. Taken in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Nacua has hit the ground running as in his 13 games, he has amassed 1,113 receiving yards and four touchdowns from his 83 receptions. 

With his receiving total more than double the Rams' next-best receiver (Cooper Kupp, 547 yards), he looms as a big threat on Sunday.

Rivera knows what threat Nacua possesses as he did when the Commanders faced the Miami Dolphins and Tyreek Hill prior to their bye week. Rivera said that his defense had to get deep to prevent the big, explosive plays from Hill.

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Well, they didn't listen as Hill torched the Commanders' secondary in a brutal first-half display as he hauled in three catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

Now, with Rivera highlighting how devastating Nacua can be with Matthew Stafford under center, let's see if the Commanders' defense heeds Rivera's warning.