Watch Puka Nacua on the sideline before each offensive possession, and you'll see the Los Angeles receiver ask a teammate to hit his pads. Hard. Players from tight end Tyler Higbee to left guard Steve Avila, tackle AJ Arcuri and former Rams center Brian Allen have participated in the ritual over Nacua's three years in the league. Nacua said he has a "mixture of guys" who have done it, but he's picky: "I want somebody who's got a good slap in them," Nacua said. "I don't want them to baby me, for sure."
Los Angeles (2-0) have been just as efficient. The Rams started the year with a hard-fought 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans before flexing their offensive firepower in a 33-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Stafford has looked sharp, and second-year receiver Puka Nacua has quickly emerged as one of the breakout stars of the league.
