Ram Digest

Rams Coach Sean McVay a 'Huge Fan!' of Puka Nacua

Rookie receiver Puka Nacua's performance in the Los Angeles Rams' preseason opener was a positive takeaway for coach Sean McVay.

Harrison Reno

In this story:

Stetson Bennett has become the talk of the town following the Los Angeles Rams' preseason-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. ... Although Bennett wasn't the only rookie who shined in the 34-17 loss, receiver Puka Nacua also had himself a day catching the lone touchdown pass from the former Bulldog and making Rams coach Sean McVay a fan. 

“He’s doing a great job," McVay told the media about Nacua's performance following the loss. "I’m a huge fan of him."

So what exactly stood out to McVay about Nacua's performance? 

“You can see he’s physical, tough, no fear,” McVay said. “He’s a guy that has great, aggressive hands. The touchdown catch, contested play right in the red area, bang-bang. ... Those two did a good job connecting."

Nacua connected with Bennett on one other occasion, that being earlier in the drive, as he hauled in a crucial 17-yard reception on a third down and six. That explosive play extended the Rams' drive and set Nacua up to cap it off with a touchdown.

While the former BYU Cougar's three receptions for 32 yards and a score didn't exactly light up the stat sheet, as he finished with the third-most receiving yards on the team, only behind Tyler Johnson and Austin Trammell, he did receive a high grade from Pro Football Focus. 

The advanced data analytics site gave Nacua the fourth-highest offensive grade on the Rams at 70.3 overall, which makes him the second-best among the receivers, with Johnson being the only wide-out above him at 82.2. 

The strong debut from Nacua will certainly give the Rams optimism that he can be part of the solution to a receiving core looking for help outside of Cooper Kupp. 

The Rams and Nacua will be in action next Saturday as they will play host to the Las Vegas Raiders. The kickoff between the Rams and Raiders is set for 6 p.m. PT.

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Harrison Reno
HARRISON RENO

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