Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game for Week 14 is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who shined during their exhilarating 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills. This performance not only elevated the Rams to a 7-6 record but also kept them in close contention with the Seattle Seahawks in the competitive NFC West division.
“LET’S F***ING GO!!!”
Nacua’s contribution to the Rams’ success was undeniable, as he recorded an impressive 12 receptions on 14 targets for 162 yards and a touchdown. Brady humorously noted that Nacua’s dynamic plays left him hoarse in the broadcast booth, highlighting the excitement of the game.
The pivotal moment came right after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. With a narrow lead of 38-35, the Rams faced a crucial third-and-5 situation at the Buffalo 19-yard line. Nacua, aided by Cooper Kupp and solid blocking from his teammates, executed a perfectly timed screen pass that culminated in a touchdown, extending the Rams’ lead to 44-35.
In a conversation with Brady, Nacua revealed that the play call was a strategic decision made by quarterback Matthew Stafford after assessing the Bills’ defensive alignment. “Matthew’s coming into the huddle while we’re fresh on that timeout and he says, ‘Man, if we get a zero blitz right here, we’re gonna get ready to go to our screen play,'” Nacua explained. His trust in Stafford and Kupp was evident as they executed the play flawlessly.
Nacua reflected on the teamwork that made the touchdown possible, crediting veteran players like Rob Havenstein for their contributions. “Being able to run off in the end zone felt fantastic,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort behind the win.
Despite a strong first half, Nacua acknowledged the need for consistency throughout the game. “We were hitting on all cylinders in the first half, but it requires all four quarters,” he noted. The Rams’ coaching staff, led by Sean McVay, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum after halftime.
Nacua also made an impact on the ground, carrying the ball five times for 16 yards, including a notable 4-yard touchdown run just before halftime. His versatility was a key factor in the Rams’ offensive strategy against Buffalo.
During his chat with Brady, Nacua shared the cultural significance of his nickname, Puka, which was given to him by his grandmother. He explained that it translates to “fat” or “chubby” in Samoan, humorously linking it to his ability to succeed on the field. “That’s why I think on some of those run plays, Coach is like, ‘I trust him with the ball,'” he said, showcasing his confidence and connection to his roots.
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