Puka Nacua

[PARAM]

I like to see them target Atwell more.

 

[TexasRam]

Nacua is outstanding but his style of play makes it clear why he was injured so much in college, and is now nursing injuries every week in the NFL that he has thus far managed to play through. He is a big but very physical receiver. Embraces contact after the catch. Always blocking with authority. Going all out to make the catch, even if it means landing in compromised positions.

Puka is young and fresh right now, but miles and wear and tear add up fast at the NFL level.

I would like to see his volume decreased going forward. The number of targets he is getting now, with his style of play, is going to run him into the ground sooner than he or the Rams likely want to think about or admit.

I am hopeful that Kupp and Nacua, once the former is healthy, will form an absolutely elite duo that also sees a more sustainable target allocation between the two of them. That will benefit both receivers. In Kupp's first few games back, that seemed to be the case, with Cooper picking up right where he left off. But #10 has not looked quite himself for a few weeks now, clearly appearing hobbled and his target share and overall production level reflecting that. I am optimistic Kupp can return to being a target hog once fully healed, but he has always been injury prone, and is now over 30, so the organization should have contingency plans in place. Robinson stepping up? Using the TEs more? External help either via free agency or the draft this off-season. If Kupp can't be a high volume guy going forward, but must be used more selectively, the Rams will want to figure out another way to spread the ball around so that Nacua can be effective for many years to come. Kupp was an older rookie. He's actually older than Brandon Cooks, which almost nobody realized when they were teammates in Kupp's rookie year! Nacua is only 22. We should have ~10 years of him. It would be a shame to make it ~5 by riding him until the wheels fall off.

Kupp seems like the type of WR that can play effectively into his mid 30’s. He doesn’t rely on speed but rather route running.

Good reminder on the older age and injuries however.

I would defintitely feature Puka and use Kupp as a goaline and 3rd down option like we saw last game.

 

[Faceplant]

I like to see them target Atwell more.

Nonsense. Didn't you hear that he is a colossal bust? He should be traded for a ham sandwich.....or a 6th round pick.

All I see is Tutu making plays when given the opportunity. That is pretty much all he needed. Opportunities. Apparently the coaches finally trust him enough to provide those.

 

[Kupped]

Nonsense. Didn't you hear that he is a colossal bust? He should be traded for a ham sandwich.....or a 6th round pick.

All I see is Tutu making plays when given the opportunity. That is pretty much all he needed. Opportunities. Apparently the coaches finally trust him enough to provide those.

How many DPIs has he drawn this year for how many yards?

He’s been essential.

 

[dang]

So with Puka and Williams showing so well I don’t see the Rams selecting a RB or WR sooner than the 4th round for quite a while. But I’ve been wrong before and I’m sure I’ll be wrong again.

 

[Kupped]

So with Puka and Williams showing so well I don’t see the Rams selecting a RB or WR sooner than the 4th round for quite a while. But I’ve been wrong before and I’m sure I’ll be wrong again.

I think you will be wrong as soon as this offseason. The frequency of Kupp injuries makes it very likely they draft a WR high next year.

 

[Merlin]

Tutu is an offensive hors d'oeuvres. The snack tray that provides a little field stretching and a catch here and there.

He is not going to carry the responsibility of being a primary threat in this passing game. Rams would be wise to keep giving his snaps to Robinson.

 

[Kupped]

Tutu has drawn 4 PIs for 115 yards.
That's as many as CeeDee Lamb.. and more yards than Calvin Ridley.
He's done it on 62 targets, compared to 121 for Lamb.

The penalty yardage plus his actual yardage puts him into the top 40 in the NFL.

Add to that the impact he has on coverage.

I know why, but it's still strange to me how much people on this board devalue what Tutu does for the team.

 

[Memento]

Tutu is an offensive hors d'oeuvres. The snack tray that provides a little field stretching and a catch here and there.

He is not going to carry the responsibility of being a primary threat in this passing game. Rams would be wise to give his snaps to Tyler motherfucking Johnson.

Fixed.

 

[dpjax]

According to statmuse

Most Rookie Receiving Yards Record | StatMuse

Puka Nacua has the most receiving yards by a rookie, with 1,486 yards in 2023.

www.statmuse.com

View attachment 62611

Puka Watch!

Should move up ahead of Garrett Wilson on the list after todays game, 11 spots.

 

[dpjax]

 

[Kupped]

Just an amazing season.
And he keeps getting better. That diving catch today? WOW.

 

[TexasRam]

Puka and Kyren Williams are both in great position to garner Pro Bowl Honors.

Especially considering the current state of our offense and upcoming opponents.

Puka probably WR #4 behind CD, AJ and St. Brown.

Kyren Williams is RB#2 behind McCaffrey.

Not bad for players in their first full seasons.

 

[HitStick]

So with Puka and Williams showing so well I don’t see the Rams selecting a RB or WR sooner than the 4th round for quite a while. But I’ve been wrong before and I’m sure I’ll be wrong again.

Not so sure. If the Rams plugs some holes in free agency, they could easily draft a 3rd receiver. Tutu has been a stud, but I do feel like Staff has trouble hitting the smaller guys, unfortunately. There have been enough opportunities missed that if successful, would probably have Tutu over 600 yards by now. Could see them adding some size.

 

[oldnotdead]

With Kupps injury history, it's clear to me he will retire with Donald and Stafford in 2025. They need another WR and they likely will take one to groom for a year. To make this offense run McVay needs 3 very good WRs.

They need at least one more RB as well. IMO QB, CB, WR, Edge and OT are their priority needs. Young has validated their pick and Hoecht is actually having a good complimentary year. IMO both would have betters stats in a one gap system. Hampton is slowly rounding into the type of role playing OLB they want. IMO I don't think the Rams feel the need to use a draft pick on another edge before the 5th round as Young is likely to finish the year with 7-9 sacks which is good for a rookie edge. Hoecht probably finishes with 5.5 sacks out of a OLB/DE position where he isn't rushing the QB on every play. Again that is decent production from a converted DT and should only improve.

IMO their draft needs:

Rd 1 QB
Rd 2 CB
Rd 3 WR
Rd 4 OT
Rd 5 RB or Edge
Rds 6-7 BPA

 

[JimY53]

Inside zone -- even a short gain can be cool
the Z - Puka and F - Kupp involved in running game

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

 

[Merlin]

Goddamn I love 17.

 

[TexasRam]

Goddamn I love 17.

Besides him being an excellent WR, I love the fact that he makes us a more physical offense. Both as pass WR but also as a blocker.

We need these types when squaring up vs the Niners and Ravens of the world. So far, we have gone toe to toe with these teams. Even with a subpar defense. We are fighting for the hard yards and not getting bullied. Puka is a big part of that. So it KW, even if he is a smaller player.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Puka moved up to ninth all time with 3 games to go.

Most Rookie Receiving Yards Record | StatMuse

Puka Nacua has the most receiving yards by a rookie, with 1,486 yards in 2023.

www.statmuse.com