Puka Nacua had a big day for the Los Angeles Rams, but the two-time Pro Bowler candidly lamented the opportunities that he missed in the NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Now, Nacua and the Rams must wait until next season to plot another playoff course.
The immediate aftermath of this game, though, revealed a loss that deeply affected the Rams, from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Davante Adams, and Nacua.
Puka Nacua Gets Honest After Rams’ Loss
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Carolina Panthers.
Nacua finished the game with a team-leading nine receptions for a game-high 165 yards and 1 touchdown, but repeatedly mentioned the Rams’ missed opportunities on offense.
Specifically, Nacua was upset over the Rams’ third-down woes, as well as a missed “shot play.”
“I thought about the first third down. We threw an in-breaker to me, and I didn’t come down with it. I think of … a shot opportunity that we had at the red zone on a safety, and just not being on the same page as Matthew. And just opportunities that I missed. The third down opportunities, knowing that the ball’s coming, and we’re passing the ball, and the opportunity for us to make plays is right there, and not being able to come down with them,” Nacua said after the game.
“All those moments kind of flash by in your head. And I think–apologize to the defense for putting them in those situations, because we felt like we could have executed in order to make that game easier for them.”
Stafford was 0-3 when targeting Nacua on third downs during the Rams’ 31-27 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.
One was negated by a penalty on Seattle, and Stafford found Nacua for a TD on the next play.
Still, Nacua could only “think about the opportunities on that third down, just not being able to make plays so we can avoid fourth down situations and put ourself in a better situation to go out there and score touchdowns.”
Puka Nacua Expresses ‘Frustration’ Following NFC Championship Game
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Nacua did not shy away from the fact that he was disappointed with the outcome, but even that reverted to lamenting his own shortcomings. He said there was “frustration, for sure,” with the chances they had.
“I can think of how exciting that the stadium was at the beginning of the game, and the opportunity for us to come out and start hot. And our first third-down play coming to me, and just not being able to come down with it. Thinking of the opportunities, man. Every play matters. And then, the plays that came to me and not being able to come down with them, and that’s what our team expects of me, and that’s what I expect of myself.
“Just feeling like a moment of letdown for them, and just knowing that it won’t happen again. Get ready to get back to work and prepare for this next season already.”
Asked why he was shouldering so much of the blame, Nacua maintained his candid approach.
“The opportunities come to me; the third down. We pride ourselves in our wide receiver room. I feel like I’ve been lucky to be around some of the best of them, and have No. 17 [Adams] out there on the field. You feel so much confidence of the defense is on constant stress, and believe in myself and the confidence of our team. Especially with No. 9 [Stafford] back there, I believe that we have the opportunity to convert on any down.”
Puka Nacua Praises Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 and Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams talk before a game against the Houston Texans.
Stafford’s future will loom over Nacua and the Rams for some time until the offseason, but the wideout had nothing but praise for his QB, who had a historic performance in the loss.
“Felt like he was phenomenal. He always does a great job in being able to make plays for us. I think in the moments that we needed, he was able to read the defense and put the ball where we needed to,” Nacua said.
“I just look at those earlier opportunities, man, to start the game out. Knowing we’re in a hostile environment, to get an early first down, get that first drive going, how much confidence and momentum that can start–for not only our offense, but for our defense, and just our team in general–and didn’t come down with those, and uh we weren’t able to capitalize on those moments.”
Nacua later said it was “tough,” adding, “I’d rather have an opportunity for me and No. 9 to be on the same page for a last play to get up one towards the end zone. It didn’t work out that way.”
Puka Nacua Talks Offseason Plans
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before facing the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.
Nacua, who led the NFL in receptions during the regular season, said he has plans for the offseason, but is mostly looking forward to hanging out with his Rams teammates once more and getting back to work for next season.
“I’ll be excited to get a moment to spend another time with the guys tomorrow as we’re back at the facility,” Nacua said. “Definitely going to enjoy some time to myself. Probably stay in a dark room for a little bit, play some video games. I know the NBA season’s going on right now. So, I’ll definitely be watching some basketball games. But I’ll just be excited to be around the guys and enjoy the moment we have together.”
Notably for the Rams, Nacua is extension-eligible this offseason, adding intrigue to the cycle.
Rams’ Puka Nacua Places Blame After NFC Championship Game