Latest news with #Nacua
Hamilton Spectator
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Seeking to learn, Puka Nacua asks Davante Adams to lead the LA Rams' receiving drills
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Puka Nacua is one of the NFL's top receivers as he heads into his third season with the Los Angeles Rams, he thinks he still has plenty to learn from the new teammate wearing his old uniform number. Nacua was full of praise and admiration for Davante Adams after just one practice in training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday. Nacua is determined to soak up the techniques and teachings of the six-time Pro Bowl selection who joined the Rams as a replacement for Cooper Kupp in the spring. 'I've asked Davante to lead our position group drills,' Nacua said. 'There was respect from him coming in, saying, 'I don't want to push you out of the way, or to try to take your spot,' or that I should be up there No. 1, but it's something (where) I have a huge amount of respect for his game, and I'm blessed to be around people like Coop, and to have Davante come in.' There's also a practical reason for Nacua's invitation to Adams: 'When I was in the front, I'm trying to sprint as fast as I can so I can turn around and watch him. So I was like, 'Hey, I think it would make my job a little easier if you go first.'' Nacua's respect for Adams has been obvious from the day Adams signed. Nacua willingly ceded the No. 17 jersey he had worn for two seasons in Los Angeles, switching to the No. 12 he wore in college. Adams got the ball frequently during the Rams' opening workout, impressing the fans in the stands while catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo. Matthew Stafford is starting training camp on the sidelines as he recovers from back soreness, leaving Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett in the pocket for the first week. Nacua was observing Adams with admiration, watching everything from his famous release skills at the line of scrimmage to his ball concentration in traffic. 'His illusion of speed and lateral quickness is something I'm trying to add to my game in the way that it fits my skill set,' Nacua said. 'I wouldn't say there's a lot of people that can replicate some of the things that he can do, but I try to understand the movement so I can add it to my game.' But Adams also recognizes the remarkable ascent of Nacua, the former fifth-round pick. Nacua's average of 88.4 yards receiving per game is the second-best in NFL history among non-scab players, trailing only Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (96.5). Nacua has 184 catches for 2,476 yards in just 28 regular-season games for the Rams, but he could be even more dangerous with Adams as his counterpart. Defenses will be unable to focus primarily on Nacua, as they did at times in his first two seasons when Kupp was injured or ineffective, likely allowing Nacua to get into more advantageous matchups for Stafford. The big picture looks good for Nacua, but he's also concentrating on learning the small details from Adams, whose skills he can list in encyclopedic detail. 'I'd say his body control, and obviously his elusiveness at the line of scrimmage,' Nacua said. 'But then his awareness, the rotation of defenders and how to attack leverage on anyone, everything down the field, and then to have the illusion of going the opposite direction of where you want to go. He does a great job, and he explains it so well in the meeting room, so it makes it fun to watch tape and to be like, 'OK, how can I add some of these things to my toolbox?'' Nacua is one year away from the chance to sign a contract extension, but he isn't thinking much about the massive looming payday if he produces another prolific season with Stafford and Adams. 'A little bit, but I try my best to stay completely present where my feet are,' Nacua said. 'It's exciting to see guys push the envelope for the wide receiver game.' ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Seeking to learn, Puka Nacua asks Davante Adams to lead the LA Rams' receiving drills
Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Puka Nacua is one of the NFL's top receivers as he heads into his third season with the Los Angeles Rams, he thinks he still has plenty to learn from the new teammate wearing his old uniform number. Nacua was full of praise and admiration for Davante Adams after just one practice in training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday. Nacua is determined to soak up the techniques and teachings of the six-time Pro Bowl selection who joined the Rams as a replacement for Cooper Kupp in the spring. 'I've asked Davante to lead our position group drills,' Nacua said. 'There was respect from him coming in, saying, 'I don't want to push you out of the way, or to try to take your spot,' or that I should be up there No. 1, but it's something (where) I have a huge amount of respect for his game, and I'm blessed to be around people like Coop, and to have Davante come in.' There's also a practical reason for Nacua's invitation to Adams: 'When I was in the front, I'm trying to sprint as fast as I can so I can turn around and watch him. So I was like, 'Hey, I think it would make my job a little easier if you go first.'' Nacua's respect for Adams has been obvious from the day Adams signed. Nacua willingly ceded the No. 17 jersey he had worn for two seasons in Los Angeles, switching to the No. 12 he wore in college. Adams got the ball frequently during the Rams' opening workout, impressing the fans in the stands while catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo. Matthew Stafford is starting training camp on the sidelines as he recovers from back soreness, leaving Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett in the pocket for the first week. Nacua was observing Adams with admiration, watching everything from his famous release skills at the line of scrimmage to his ball concentration in traffic. 'His illusion of speed and lateral quickness is something I'm trying to add to my game in the way that it fits my skill set,' Nacua said. 'I wouldn't say there's a lot of people that can replicate some of the things that he can do, but I try to understand the movement so I can add it to my game.' But Adams also recognizes the remarkable ascent of Nacua, the former fifth-round pick. Nacua's average of 88.4 yards receiving per game is the second-best in NFL history among non-scab players, trailing only Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (96.5). Nacua has 184 catches for 2,476 yards in just 28 regular-season games for the Rams, but he could be even more dangerous with Adams as his counterpart. Defenses will be unable to focus primarily on Nacua, as they did at times in his first two seasons when Kupp was injured or ineffective, likely allowing Nacua to get into more advantageous matchups for Stafford. The big picture looks good for Nacua, but he's also concentrating on learning the small details from Adams, whose skills he can list in encyclopedic detail. 'I'd say his body control, and obviously his elusiveness at the line of scrimmage,' Nacua said. 'But then his awareness, the rotation of defenders and how to attack leverage on anyone, everything down the field, and then to have the illusion of going the opposite direction of where you want to go. He does a great job, and he explains it so well in the meeting room, so it makes it fun to watch tape and to be like, 'OK, how can I add some of these things to my toolbox?'' Nacua is one year away from the chance to sign a contract extension, but he isn't thinking much about the massive looming payday if he produces another prolific season with Stafford and Adams. 'A little bit, but I try my best to stay completely present where my feet are,' Nacua said. 'It's exciting to see guys push the envelope for the wide receiver game.' ___ AP NFL: recommended Item 1 of 3
Toronto Star
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Seeking to learn, Puka Nacua asks Davante Adams to lead the LA Rams' receiving drills
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Puka Nacua is one of the NFL's top receivers as he heads into his third season with the Los Angeles Rams, he thinks he still has plenty to learn from the new teammate wearing his old uniform number. Nacua was full of praise and admiration for Davante Adams after just one practice in training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday. Nacua is determined to soak up the techniques and teachings of the six-time Pro Bowl selection who joined the Rams as a replacement for Cooper Kupp in the spring.
Winnipeg Free Press
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Seeking to learn, Puka Nacua asks Davante Adams to lead the LA Rams' receiving drills
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although Puka Nacua is one of the NFL's top receivers as he heads into his third season with the Los Angeles Rams, he thinks he still has plenty to learn from the new teammate wearing his old uniform number. Nacua was full of praise and admiration for Davante Adams after just one practice in training camp at Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday. Nacua is determined to soak up the techniques and teachings of the six-time Pro Bowl selection who joined the Rams as a replacement for Cooper Kupp in the spring. 'I've asked Davante to lead our position group drills,' Nacua said. 'There was respect from him coming in, saying, 'I don't want to push you out of the way, or to try to take your spot,' or that I should be up there No. 1, but it's something (where) I have a huge amount of respect for his game, and I'm blessed to be around people like Coop, and to have Davante come in.' There's also a practical reason for Nacua's invitation to Adams: 'When I was in the front, I'm trying to sprint as fast as I can so I can turn around and watch him. So I was like, 'Hey, I think it would make my job a little easier if you go first.'' Nacua's respect for Adams has been obvious from the day Adams signed. Nacua willingly ceded the No. 17 jersey he had worn for two seasons in Los Angeles, switching to the No. 12 he wore in college. Adams got the ball frequently during the Rams' opening workout, impressing the fans in the stands while catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo. Matthew Stafford is starting training camp on the sidelines as he recovers from back soreness, leaving Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett in the pocket for the first week. Nacua was observing Adams with admiration, watching everything from his famous release skills at the line of scrimmage to his ball concentration in traffic. 'His illusion of speed and lateral quickness is something I'm trying to add to my game in the way that it fits my skill set,' Nacua said. 'I wouldn't say there's a lot of people that can replicate some of the things that he can do, but I try to understand the movement so I can add it to my game.' But Adams also recognizes the remarkable ascent of Nacua, the former fifth-round pick. Nacua's average of 88.4 yards receiving per game is the second-best in NFL history among non-scab players, trailing only Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (96.5). Nacua has 184 catches for 2,476 yards in just 28 regular-season games for the Rams, but he could be even more dangerous with Adams as his counterpart. Defenses will be unable to focus primarily on Nacua, as they did at times in his first two seasons when Kupp was injured or ineffective, likely allowing Nacua to get into more advantageous matchups for Stafford. The big picture looks good for Nacua, but he's also concentrating on learning the small details from Adams, whose skills he can list in encyclopedic detail. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'I'd say his body control, and obviously his elusiveness at the line of scrimmage,' Nacua said. 'But then his awareness, the rotation of defenders and how to attack leverage on anyone, everything down the field, and then to have the illusion of going the opposite direction of where you want to go. He does a great job, and he explains it so well in the meeting room, so it makes it fun to watch tape and to be like, 'OK, how can I add some of these things to my toolbox?'' Nacua is one year away from the chance to sign a contract extension, but he isn't thinking much about the massive looming payday if he produces another prolific season with Stafford and Adams. 'A little bit, but I try my best to stay completely present where my feet are,' Nacua said. 'It's exciting to see guys push the envelope for the wide receiver game.' ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Expect A Shiftier Puka Nacua As He Takes On Larger Role For Rams In Year 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is already one of the league's best when it comes to making highlight-reel-worthy contested catches on a weekly basis. Now, it's time for him to level up in Year 3. "I would say definitely movement off the line of scrimmage," Nacua told me on what he's worked on this offseason. "The opportunity to work with Davante Adams, if you can get off with a clean release it makes the play work a lot better. So, I would say Coach [Sean] McVay would like how I'm moving at the line of scrimmage. "But also, just to clean up the picture for Matthew Stafford. His ability to put the ball anywhere gives me a lot of confidence that I can run a route and put my foot in the ground anywhere and know that I'm going to be in the right spot. So, the lateral quickness and the ability to move people – whether it's at the line of scrimmage or at the top of the route – has been something that I've been trying to work on." Nacua, who spoke with me courtesy of Gatorade as he welcomed the Gatorade National Players of the Year in an event in Los Angeles last week, has already proven in his young career that when he wants to improve one area of his game, he does so. The BYU product finished with 13 drops during a historic rookie season in 2023, in which he set an NFL rookie record at that time with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. After that impressive season, Nacua worked on improving the consistency of his hands and had only one drop in 2024. While Nacua improved in that area of his game, he dealt with injuries during the 2024 season. He was slowed by a knee injury suffered during training camp, missing five games, but still finished with 79 catches for 990 yards and three touchdowns. As he looks to be more elusive in 2025, Nacua said he has benefited from having the 32-year-old Adams on the roster and learning from one of the best route runners in the NFL. "His ability to take care of himself and the preparation is very awesome to watch," Nacua said about Adams. "And it gives you a blueprint to follow for the rest of my career. You've seen Cooper Kupp do it and Davante Adams do it now, and it's super cool. His change of pace on the football field is something you don't see from a lot of receivers, so it makes it super fun because after practice, when you watch the tape, you're seeing some bodies fall all over the field. And it's because of No. 17." Even though he's no longer teammates with Kupp (who was released by the Rams and signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason), Nacua and Kupp still worked out together this offseason in Los Angeles. Nacua said he appreciates the two remaining close and credits the Eastern Washington product for the productive start to his career with the Rams. "I know he was probably a little upset when I said we ran routes, and he didn't end up showing up at the facility," Nacua joked about Kupp. "So, it's probably something that we're both still getting used to, but it's been such a blessing that we built a relationship off the field as well. "And to be able to see his boys coming around at our workouts and hanging out with him. To be able to talk ball again and check in on him. He's been someone who's helped me in my career. He was right next to me from the moment I stepped into the NFL, so it was someone I enjoy picking up the phone and calling him." Despite the fact that he's produced at an elite level, Nacua still considers himself as the same guy who was drafted by the Rams with the last pick in the fifth round at No. 177 overall in 2023. And even with the departure of one of the strongest voices in the receiver room in Kupp, Nacua said he'll continue to lean on more veteran voices on the team like Rob Havenstein, Tyler Higbee, Stafford and Adams to lead the offense. "I definitely want to be the best and I'm chasing every opportunity when I go out there," Nacua said. "And I want every ball to come my way, as a receiver should say. But I know that I'm going to go out there and just do whatever the coach asks me to do because that's what I'm prepared to do." That said, Nacua does expect improved physicality from L.A.'s offense. McVay said during the offseason that he would like his offense to be more adaptable and versatile for the upcoming season. Part of that means running the ball more consistently. The Rams averaged 104 rushing yards a contest during the regular season last year, which was 24th in the NFL. Even worse, Los Angeles averaged 3.92 rushing yards per play, which was 31st in the league. "For me there's something I love about the game of football, and that's the physicality," Nacua said. "I've mentioned his name a couple times because I see him twice a year, and that's Nick Bosa. When you have an opportunity to block a guy like that, or you get to run a route against Jalen Ramsey or Darius Slay or whoever the corner might be, it makes Sundays really fun. "I enjoy Coach McVay's ability to put guys in different spots and put us in the right place on the football field to succeed. It makes the game of football really fun. Matthew Stafford doesn't miss any opportunity to let the football fly. So, we're going to be all over the place. People are going to be moving around and it's going to look like a well-organized show when the Rams are on offense." Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
