'Matthew Stafford Doesn't Miss!' Puka Nacua, Maxx Crosby Discuss Los Angeles Rams Quarterback

The Los Angeles Rams have receiver Puka Nacua and quarterback Matthew Stafford to thank for 2023's fun. Nacua spoke with Maxx Crosby about his quarterback.

Oct 8, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The reasons why the Los Angeles Rams exceeded expectations in 2023 can be cast into two groups: the high-level veterans who returned to prominence and the young players that broke out.

There were lingering concerns over veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford’s ability to stay healthy and perform at levels fans had grown used to into his mid-30s. After Los Angeles’ horrible Super Bowl hangover, few were optimistic.

Instead, he looked the part of a franchise quarterback and helped fuel successful seasons from the Rams and their weapons, however anonymous they may have been before Week 1.

Oct 8, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In that season opener, though, rookie receiver Puka Nacua made himself known. With Stafford’s trust established from the jump, he would go on to have arguably the best rookie season a receiver has ever had.

On “The Rush With Maxx Crosby,” Nacua spoke about his admiration for Stafford.

“This guy Matthew Stafford doesn’t miss, ever,” Nacua said. “It leads to me feeling like I have so much confidence that he knows where I’m gonna be out of the break but the ball is going to be in the one spot it needs to be.”

That confidence parlayed itself into results. Nacua finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting on the back of a 105-catch, 1,486-yard season.

He wasn’t alone in his praise for Stafford either. Stafford, who threw for 3,965 yards and 24 scores in 2023, earned a Pro Bowl selection and votes for both Comeback Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player. Coincidentally, Crosby – a superstar in his own right – has long been a fan of the gunslinger, dating back to his days in Detroit.

“I grew up a Lions fan, so I’m a firm believer,” Crosby said. “When people are disrespecting him like, ‘Oh, he never won a ring.’ No. Stafford is like that. And he’s tough as nails, plays through injuries. I think Stafford’s top five in my opinion, no question.”

Stafford re-established himself as one of the league’s best which is difficult to do in today’s climate of game-changing passers. Likewise, New York Jets (and former Green Bay Packers) passer Aaron Rodgers is looking to rebound after an injury-shortened season. Nacua told tales of his time as a Packers fan because of Rodgers, so much so that he initially didn’t realize he was a big reason why Stafford, who rarely saw the playoffs, received so much disrespect.

“Man you were playing against the Packers all this time and I had no idea because I loved Aaron Rodgers!” Nacua said with a laugh. “I’m watching my glorious king No. 12 throw the ball so perfectly, like thank you, so effortlessly … It absolutely blew my mind.”