NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 01: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on December 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – The Rams brought out the highlights early in the Divisional Round as Matthew Stafford and former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua connected on a no-look pass.
On Los Angeles’ first drive, they marched down the field with ease. Stafford got Nacua going early with two receptions for 20 yards.
Vintage Stafford with the no-look!
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2025
The Eagles started with the ball and quickly put together a scoring drive. A missed extra point left the score at 6-0.
LA responded with a 13-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a Tyler Higbee receiving touchdown.
After back-to-back punts, Philly would score again to put the score at 13-7 going into the second quarter.
Q1 in the books. pic.twitter.com/Xqml5KOKqx
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 19, 2025
The 20 yards in the opening quarter may seem insignificant for Nacua. But it could prove to be exactly what he needed.
In the Wild Card, Nacua had just five receptions for 44 yards. Compared to his playoff debut where he posted nine receptions, 181 yards, and a touchdown, a quick start is exactly what both Nacua and the Rams may need.
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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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.
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