Commanders defense faces major challenge in Rams WR Puka Nacua

Ivan Lambert, Commanders WireFri, November 6, 2026 at 11:06 AM UTC

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Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is fully aware of Puka Nacua.

In his four NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Nacua has been nothing short of amazing. For instance, over his four-year career, Nacua has led all NFL receivers, averaging 95.1 receiving yards per game. That wasn’t simply one season; that is all four seasons combined. That is how consistent and productive Nacua has been.

Thursday, local media asked Jones how the Commanders might slow down Nacua, the Rams’ leading receiver.

Not only is Nacua very talented, but Rams head coach Sean McVay really moves Nacua around. “Oh, they do a great job the way they move him; the way they utilize him,” Jones said. “He’s in the run game, because he is physical,” Jones said. The Rams run the ball well, and the second-level blocking of Nacua has certainly helped Rams ball carriers. In addition, the Rams occasionally will hand off the ball to Nacua. In 2025, he ran ten times for 105 yards and five rushing first downs.

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But make no mistake, Nacua is still one of the real workhorses in the NFL. He hurts opposing defenses with his ability to go into the middle, catch short passes and sometimes get beat up, and sometimes break free for larger yardage. Though Nacua was injured in the opener and missed the next two games, he has still collected 56 receptions, 26 receiving first downs and three touchdowns.

“Not only that, they give him the ball in so many places on the football field. You have to know where he is at all times. And he’s really dangerous once he has the ball in his hands. So sometimes getting him the ball quicker allows him to become (like) the running back after he has caught the ball. So, our guys having the awareness of where he is and then having the ability to swarm and hunt.”

Nacua actually led the NFL in the 2025 season with 129 receptions, 80 receiving first downs, a receiving success rate (70.5%), and 107.2 receiving yards per game.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders defense faces major challenge in Rams WR Puka Nacua

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Source: “AOL Sports”