Puka Nacua has been impressing Los Angeles Rams fans since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While his on-field knowledge is unquestionable, the wide receiver is prone to gaffes regarding the league’s structure.
This season, the 23-year-old has had injury issues, but that hasn’t stopped Nacua from making his best plays when he’s healthy. Similarly, fans’ jokes haven’t diminished the wide receiver’s sense of humor.
Puka Nacua Indulges in Jokes Regarding the Rams’ Division
Late last month, it was revealed that Nacua isn’t aware of the division his team plays in, and fans had a field day at the expense of the WR cracking jokes on him. Even ESPN’s NFL reporter Adam Schefter joined in on the fun during Nacua’s interview on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Schefter asked Nacua, “I’m curious, with all the stuff made about the NFC West, do you understand where you sit now in relation to the other teams in the NFC West?”
“I don’t know where we sit in standing to them, but I know that we play somebody in our division,” responded Nacua as the entire panel burst into laughter.
"Do you understand where you sit now in the NFC West" 😂😂 ~ @AdamSchefter
"I know we play somebody in our division on Thursday" 😂😂 ~ @AsapPuka #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/A9h7lkljgZ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 9, 2024
Nacua later highlighted that he has been asked to focus on the next team and not anything else. McAfee applauded the wide receiver for his focused approach, but Nacua did share that he knows the Rams will face off against their divisional foes, the San Francisco 49ers, on Thursday.
Sean McVay Applauds Nacua for Brilliant Performances
Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, Nacua totaled 12 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown. While Nacua has played only eight games this season, he has made his presence felt in each of them.
Head coach Sean McVay couldn’t help but praise Nacua during the postgame press conference.
“(Nacua) was such an igniter today,” McVay said. “He was awesome. He’s so physically and mentally tough. (I) love him. Igniter is one of the biggest compliments I can give somebody. You elevate everybody around you, you bring an energy to this football team, and he certainly did that today.”
McVay will need more of Nacua’s ignition abilities in the four remaining games in the regular season. With only five playoff spots left in the NFC, the Rams are currently outside looking in and will need victories to secure a postseason berth.