Rams’ Puka Nacua vows to keep his aggressive edge even after ejection against the Seahawks
Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua was ejected for shoving Tyrel Dodson amid a win against the Seattle Seahawks.
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Puka Nacua (Image via ESPN)
Los Angeles Rams’ 23-year-old wide receiver Puka Nacua has no intention of curbing his aggressiveness. The Las Vegas native’s admission comes amid an ejection during a win against the Seattle Seahawks.
The incident occurred when Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen intercepted a Matt Stafford pass aimed at Nacua with 33 seconds left in the second quarter. Woolen stepped out at the Seahawks’ 25-yard line, but linebacker Tyrel Dodson continued blocking Nacua, unaware the play was dead. Frustrated, Nacua threw a punch at Dodson’s helmet.
Player ejections are ultimately determined by the league’s officiating office. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has questioned regarding decisions on Nacua and similar incidents. Florio highlighted Trent Williams and Xavier Woods being safe despite their actions.
Amid debates and discussions, Puka Nacua wants to retain his edge. He admitted that he wants to pack a punch against the opponents.
I don’t think so. I think being able to be, especially around guys on our team, the young guys around [Byron Young], [Jared] Verse, Elias [Neal] and Omar Speights, everybody’s always ready to pack a punch. It’s nice to get back in there and be like everybody’s willing to hit. Just being a little bit extra aware of some of the thoughts after the play where people are like, ‘I’m going to take my opportunity.’
Puka Nacua told reporters
Nacua, who set records in his standout rookie season, has only completed one full game this year. He initially sustained a right knee sprain during a joint practice with the Chargers. The injury got aggravated in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.
This setback placed him on injured reserve for five games before he returned in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded seven catches for 106 yards. In the last game, Nacua made one reception in 11 yards.
Puka Nacua wants to learn from the ejection experience
As much as a hot-headed player could be energetic and fresh to watch, it presents an opportunity for the other teams. The assertiveness demands some respect for Puka Nacua, but it also risks making him a target for taunts and other provocations. Opponents might try to bait him into reacting aggressively again, hoping he’ll throw another punch and get ejected.
Speaking about the experience and his takeaways, Nacua admitted that he wants to take back some lessons. He paraphrased a message from his coach Sean McVay that he abides by.
I think that the phrase that kind of sticks out to me is reacting over responding. That was one thing that Coach [Sean] McVay always talks about is there are going to be ups and downs, but it’s how you respond to those moments that makes it, and it will define you. Being able to learn from something like that, but then also being like I come from a tough background and I’m never going to feel like somebody’s trying to enforce their will. Outside the whistle, I’m going to make sure I stand on my ground.
Puka Nacua explained
Nacua is reported to be set to play against the Miami Dolphins, the Rams’ next game. Nacua is already on short time to showcase a performance resembling his rookie year. The Dolphins would be his first test and an opportunity to test out his new lessons
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Mohammed Bazim
(451 Articles Published)