Matthew Stafford says what Rams (and everyone else) knew about Puka Nacua

After a sensational caper that saw the Los Angeles Rams steal a win from the jaws of defeat against the previously undefeated Indianapolis Colts, there was a rare moment of clarity — a chance for players to celebrate each other's successes.

At the center of the Week 4 celebration stands quarterback Matthew Stafford, and rightfully so. He’s the master of launching receiver careers into orbit. The top two names on the NFL’s all-time single-season receiving yards list? Calvin Johnson and Cooper Kupp. Stafford threw to both. And now he’s helped elevate Puka Nacua to rookie record-holder status.

The 37-year-old was quick to throw the third-year receiver praise after their 27-20 victory:

"I think his (Puka Nacua's) play style rubs off on everybody on our team, not just offense. I think our defense looks at him as like, '... We'll ride with that guy all day.' And I know that's how we feel on offense." - Matthew Stafford on Puka Nacua.

Matthew Stafford says quiet part out loud about Puka Nacua

The 24-year-old did most of the heavy lifting against Indy. He accounted for nearly 37 percent of the offense's 462 yards. He hauled in 13-of-15 targets for 170 yards and a touchdown. That's an incredible performance. But for Nacua, it's becoming just another day at the office.

This is the same player who needed stitches after a horrific gash to his forehead sent him to the locker room in Week 1, only to return and lead the team to a win. It’s also the same player everyone expected to be the key contributor in Week 4. And to no one's surprise, no defensive back was able to stop him.

Through four games, he’s caught 42 of 50 targets (an 84 percent catch rate) for 503 receiving yards and a touchdown. By any standard, those are numbers most receivers would be thrilled to put up over an entire season.

He’s done it in just four games — and most of it came after that injury.

Players are astonished at how easily the former BYU receiver has exploded onto the NFL scene. For reference, he’s only the second player in the Super Bowl era to record 40-plus receptions and 500-plus receiving yards in his first four games. That’s not just a great start — that’s NFL history in the making.

And yet, he remains humble, grateful, and laser-focused. His willingness to learn from seasoned vets makes him even more dangerous. He doesn’t talk trash about his own performance, but his work on the field does all the talking. Best of all, he’s just getting started. And he’s already earned the full confidence and respect of his teammates and coaches.

As always, thanks for reading.

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