“I have complete trust in No. 9,” Nacua said postgame. “Wherever he puts that ball, I’m like, I have no fear and no doubt that it’s a spot for me, so it always feels good when we connect on some of those ones.”
Nacua caught seven passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns (his first career game with multiple receiving scores) in the Rams’ 45-17 win against the Cardinals. He also caught all four of his contested targets and forced two missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), in an effort that showcased his entire skill set.
It’s surprising that a receiver of Nacua’s pedigree hadn’t caught two touchdowns in a game before Sunday. He said postgame that he usually doesn’t come into games with multiple touchdown celebrations planned, so he’ll have to adjust that moving forward now that he’s set that precedent.
His impact goes beyond touchdown production, though. He can truly do it all and showcased that in Arizona.
Nacua caught passes at every level of the field, according to PFF. A short hitch went for 10 yards after he kept his legs churning to gain every possible inch. He caught both intermediate targets for 38 yards, snagging one with a single hand in traffic and then remaining upright as red jerseys rammed into him. He also hauled in all four deep balls (20-plus yards downfield) thrown his way, which accounted for 119 yards and two scores.
It was as complete of a performance as you can have as a wide receiver. But for Nacua, who’s enjoying a career year in his third NFL season, it was just another day at the office for he and Stafford.
“Just try to put in some good spots for him, and he does unbelievable stuff coming down with the football, contested catches,” Stafford said. “… I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but I do appreciate all of them. I don’t sit there and take them for granted, that’s for sure.”
He made so many highlight-reel catches that six of his seven grabs warranted their own video on the Rams’ website, and five were explosive plays that gained least 20 yards. He just one-upped himself over and over again.