LOS ANGELES (AP) Though Puka Nacua is likely one of the NFL’s high receivers as he heads into his third season with the Los Angeles Rams, he thinks he nonetheless has loads to be taught from the brand new teammate carrying his previous uniform quantity.
Nacua was filled with reward and admiration for Davante Adams after only one apply in coaching camp at Loyola Marymount College on Wednesday. Nacua is decided to absorb the methods and teachings of the six-time Professional Bowl choice who joined the Rams as a alternative for Cooper Kupp within the spring.
Ive requested Davante to steer our place group drills, Nacua mentioned. There was respect from him coming in, saying, I dont need to push you out of the way in which, or to attempt to take your spot, or that I must be up there No. 1, however its one thing (the place) I’ve an enormous quantity of respect for his sport, and Im blessed to be round individuals like Coop, and to have Davante are available in.
There’s additionally a sensible purpose for Nacua’s invitation to Adams: Once I was within the entrance, Im making an attempt to dash as quick as I can so I can flip round and watch him. So I used to be like, Hey, I believe it could make my job a bit simpler should you go first.’
Nacua’s respect for Adams has been apparent from the day Adams signed. Nacua willingly ceded the No. 17 jersey he had worn for 2 seasons in Los Angeles, switching to the No. 12 he wore in school.
Adams bought the ball ceaselessly throughout the Rams opening exercise, impressing the followers within the stands whereas catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo. Matthew Stafford is beginning coaching camp on the sidelines as he recovers from again soreness, leaving Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett within the pocket for the primary week.
Nacua was observing Adams with admiration, watching every little thing from his well-known launch expertise on the line of scrimmage to his ball focus in site visitors.
His phantasm of pace and lateral quickness is one thing Im making an attempt so as to add to my sport in the way in which that it matches my ability set, Nacua mentioned. I wouldnt say theres lots of people that may replicate a number of the issues that he can do, however I attempt to perceive the motion so I can add it to my sport.
However Adams additionally acknowledges the exceptional ascent of Nacua, the previous fifth-round choose. Nacua’s common of 88.4 yards receiving per sport is the second-best in NFL historical past amongst non-scab gamers, trailing solely Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson (96.5).
Nacua has 184 catches for two,476 yards in simply 28 regular-season video games for the Rams, however he may very well be much more harmful with Adams as his counterpart. Defenses will probably be unable to focus totally on Nacua, as they did at instances in his first two seasons when Kupp was injured or ineffective, probably permitting Nacua to get into extra advantageous matchups for Stafford.
The massive image seems to be good for Nacua, however he’s additionally concentrating on studying the small particulars from Adams, whose expertise he can checklist in encyclopedic element.
Id say his physique management, and clearly his elusiveness on the line of scrimmage, Nacua mentioned. However then his consciousness, the rotation of defenders and tips on how to assault leverage on anybody, every little thing down the sector, after which to have the phantasm of going the wrong way of the place you need to go. He does an incredible job, and he explains it so nicely within the assembly room, so it makes it enjoyable to look at tape and to be like, OK, how can I add a few of these issues to my toolbox?
Nacua is one yr away from the prospect to signal a contract extension, however he isn’t pondering a lot concerning the large looming payday if he produces one other prolific season with Stafford and Adams.
Slightly bit, however I strive my greatest to remain utterly current the place my ft are, Nacua mentioned. Its thrilling to see guys push the envelope for the vast receiver sport.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
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