Former BYU WR Puka Nacua Leads Rams In Receiving Against Eagles
Jan 19, 2025, 4:58 PM
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 22: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua showed up when his team needed him the most but it wasn’t quite enough as the Rams lost to the Eagles in a close game.
Nacua led all Los Angeles receivers with six receptions for 97 yards. He was also by far Matthew Stafford’s top option with 14 targets.
PUUUUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAA
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2025
Puka Nacua, Rams Come Up Short In Philadelphia
It was the tale of two quarters for Nacua at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
He started strong, with two receptions for 20 yards on the Rams’ first drive where they punched in six and took a 7-6 lead.
RELATED: Rams WR Puka Nacua Pulls In Catch Off Matthew Stafford No-Look Pass
Vintage Stafford with the no-look!
📺: @NFLonNBC | #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/gMWLSpfr5g
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2025
The second and third quarters were nearly radio silence for Nacua. He had one reception for nine yards in that 30-minute span.
However, the blame is far from being on his shoulders. The Rams began five drives in those quarters. The results were a field goal, three punts, and a fumble.
Ironically, Los Angeles actually won the second and third quarters by a combined score of 8-3. Going into the fourth, LA trailed 16-15.
Every thing ya got for the next 15 minutes. pic.twitter.com/CyRy4C4ToW
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2025
With both Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ defense firing on all cylinders, it looked like the Rams would need a perfect quarter to steal a win on the road.
Unfortunately, it was clear pretty early that wouldn’t be the case.
The quarter started with Philly extending their lead with a field goal and then another fumble from the offense. The Eagles took advantage with another field goal and led 22-15.
Another three-and-out later, Barkley seemingly put the nail in the coffin with a 78-yard rushing touchdown.
SAQUON BARKLEY 78 YARDS GOOOOODBYE!
📺: #LARvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/88LvtJoEFa— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025
With their backs against the wall, the Rams fought back. The next drive started with a 21-yard completion to Nacua.
Stafford led a 10-play, 70-yard drive in under two minutes to bring it back to a one-score game.
They followed their two-minute drill with a forced three-and-out on defense. After the game was all but over two minutes ago, Los Angeles had life.
Just behind midfield with 90 seconds left on the clock, Stafford gambled with a deep ball to Nacua and it paid off.
PUKAAAAA ‼️
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) January 19, 2025
The hope for a come-from-behind win died there. After a false start penalty and a 9-yard sack, the Rams were unable to move the chains on 4th & 11.
With the 28-22 loss, Nacua’s sophomore season comes to an end.
Despite dealing with multiple injuries, he finished the year with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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