Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua recently discussed the route-running strategies he has adopted, drawing inspiration from veteran receiver Davante Adams. Ahead of the NFL season, Nacua explained how he uses physicality and technique to gain an advantage over defenders, emphasizing his confidence in leveraging his size during contact.
“I always take the contact and say that I’m bigger than somebody,”
Nacua said, as reported by RamsWire.com.
“We get to the break point, I’ll shrug you off and be able to run and get the ball. But it definitely does save some shoulder pain when you can win from negative leverage and not run into people all the time.”
Nacua also revealed how the Rams’ condensed offensive scheme influences their route selections.
“We don’t run a ton of stuff outside the numbers because of how condensed our offense is,”
he said, explaining his approach to route variation.
Elaborating on his technique, Nacua described,
“But trying to figure out, on my slant release [how] he’s heading up to inside leverage and to threaten outside. I would take the slant as kind of a speed release for the fade ball and then being able to work kind of a false acceleration into the slant.”
This insight highlights how Nacua blends timing and deception to create separation from defenders.
Uncertainty Remains Over 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk’s Return
Meanwhile, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed the status of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s recovery from injury. Lynch emphasized that Aiyuk is making positive progress in his rehabilitation but declined to specify a timeline for his return to the field.
“There’s just steps you have to continue to hit, and I’ll continue to say that Brandon is doing well in his rehab,”
Lynch said, according to David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com.
“Do we have an exact date right now? No. I don’t think it will be Week 1, but hopefully, I’m surprised. We’ll see. Continuing to try to watch him work his way through this rehab. But again, we want him fully healthy. He had a significant injury, and so, you have to do a significant rehab, and he’s doing a really good job of that, and we’ve got to continue to do so.”
The cautious approach reflects the 49ers’ priority to ensure Aiyuk returns only when fully ready, underscoring the complexity of recovering from serious injuries in the NFL.
Former Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Reflects on Return to Seattle
On Thursday, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll made his return to Lumen Field as the Rams faced the Seahawks. The game ended in a rare tie after a blocked field goal attempt during the closing moments.
Following the game, Carroll downplayed the emotional significance of returning to his former team and city, focusing instead on the competitive nature of the contest.
“I’m sorry to tell you it wasn’t like something that was obvious. It’s a football game,”
Carroll told Pro Football Talk.
“I’ve been fighting wars for other people my whole life, coaching. I mean, I was with my team and we were battling. It was cool to be here. I loved it here. I’ve always loved the whole experience that we had here all those years together and all of that. I don’t forget that. I don’t disrespect that one bit. But it didn’t translate to something crazy to me. It was just an opportunity to play in a great setting.”
He added,
“Thanks to the league for putting us in this game. When they figured it out, it was a good idea. A good one to look forward to. I thought we handled it all right.”
What This Means for the NFL Season Ahead
Puka Nacua’s detailed discussion of his route-running presents a glimpse into how the Rams are sharpening their offensive weapons before the season starts. His methodical adaptation of Davante Adams’ techniques suggests a growing confidence and refinement that could enhance Los Angeles’s passing attack significantly.
On the other hand, the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk’s return for the 49ers remains a point of concern for their offensive consistency, as they weigh the risk of rushing a key player back from a serious injury.
The tie between the Rams and Seahawks, combined with Pete Carroll’s measured remarks, indicates competitive intensity and evolving narratives as teams continue adjusting and preparing for the full NFL season.