In his first two seasons in the NFL, Puka Nacua has established himself as one of the league's best and toughest wide receivers.
This Sunday, that reputation will be put to the test as the Los Angeles Rams head to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round.
NOT. DONE. YET. pic.twitter.com/P8fqPtXvdq
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 14, 2025
Philadelphia’s defense has been the best against the pass all season, allowing just 174 yards and 17.8 points per game. While Nacua had a strong performance against the Eagles in November, hauling in nine catches for 117 yards, the Rams still came up short, losing by 17 points.
Puka’s elite play over his first two seasons has earned him the complete trust of his play caller and head coach, Sean McVay, as well as his star quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Across 28 career regular season games, Nacua has averaged 9.5 targets per game, with over 6.5 catches and 88 yards per game.
His impact has only grown in the playoffs, where in two postseason appearances, he has recorded 14 total catches for 225 yards and one touchdown, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable playmaker in high-pressure situations.
A clear trend has emerged with Puka’s impact both on and off the field. In 2024, the Rams are 9-3 with him in the lineup but just 2-4 without him. They’re also 7-2 when he records more than 50 receiving yards.
If the Rams want a shot at the NFC title, they’ll need another big-time performance from their best playmaker.
To add to the difficulty, Sunday’s forecast calls for snow in Philadelphia, but Nacua has shown that he is up for any challenge.