LOS ANGELES (AP) \u2014 Even though Puka Nacua has had several months to get used to the idea, the Los Angeles Rams’ young star receiver still can’t quite believe he’s about to play alongside Davante Adams.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were just out at practice the other day, and I\u2019m sitting next to him under the tent while it\u2019s 100-and-something (degrees) outside, and I’m just thinking, like, dude, I think you could scroll back somewhere in my Twitter profile and there\u2019d be tweets saying, ‘Go Pack Go. I can\u2019t wait to watch the Packers, and especially to watch No. 17,’\u201d Nacua said with a grin.<\/p>\n
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Nacua actually gave that No. 17 to Adams when the veteran signed with Los Angeles several months ago, changing his jersey to No. 12 after spending his first two seasons wearing Adams’ famous number. Nacua’s depth of respect for Adams is obvious, and he’s eager to see what they can do now that they’re spending their Sundays together.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo think that my locker is going to be next to his as we\u2019re putting on the same uniform is still super-exciting,\u201d Nacua said. \u201cIt feels surreal, but I know it\u2019s going to be a headache for the defense across from us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Rams’ dynamic new receiving duo gets to work this weekend when Los Angeles hosts the Houston Texans<\/a> in a matchup of defending division champions. Adams is the biggest offseason addition<\/a> to the Rams’ roster, replacing Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp<\/a> and becoming a primary target for Matthew Stafford.<\/p>\n Adams is beginning his 12th season with his fourth team, and he is embracing his role as a mentor to the Rams’ receiver group while still expecting to put up big numbers of his own. He has plenty to teach the other five receivers on the Rams’ roster, none of whom has ever played for another NFL team: No. 3 option Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith and rookie Konata Mumpfield.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve learned a different way to attack this position and I feel like I\u2019ve studied the position, studied DBs in a much different way than what people have done in the past, and how people even do now,\u201d Adams said. \u201cI think me just being able to share some of the different coverage elements, different tips and small nuances about route-running and releases, it\u2019s really just a big umbrella of things. I try to share as much as I know that could help the guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Nobody is trying to learn more than Nacua, who has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over a player’s first two seasons. Nacua had a rookie-record 1,486 yards two seasons ago, and he finished with 990 yards last season despite missing six games.<\/p>\n Adams has recorded at least 887 yards receiving in nine consecutive seasons, and he joins the Rams with a streak of five straight 1,000-yard seasons \u2014 and a 997-yard season right before that.<\/p>\n Both receivers still know they’re only as good as the quarterback who’s getting the ball to them, and the Rams currently have a lingering question mark in that area.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n