Puka Nacua Delivers Career Night Amid Controversy, But Rams Fall in OT Thriller to Seahawks
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a week for Puka Nacua - one that started with backlash and ended with a jaw-dropping performance on the field. The Rams’ breakout wide receiver found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons earlier in the week, but by Thursday night, he reminded everyone why he’s become one of the NFL’s most electric young stars.
Nacua, appearing on a livestream Tuesday night, came under fire for two separate incidents - one involving critical comments about NFL officiating, and another for a gesture he later apologized for, acknowledging it carried antisemitic connotations he hadn’t been aware of at the time. “I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in a statement posted to Instagram. “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions.”
Fast forward to Thursday night, and Nacua let his play do the talking - and it spoke volumes.
A Performance for the Ages
In a primetime showdown against the Seahawks at Lumen Field, with major NFC playoff implications on the line, Nacua exploded for a career-high 225 receiving yards on 12 catches and found the end zone twice. It was the kind of performance that cements a player’s name in the league’s consciousness - not just for the numbers, but for the moments.
Let’s break it down.
Late in the first quarter, Nacua ignited the Rams' offense with a 54-yard catch-and-run that set up a field goal. Then, as the third quarter came to a close, he reeled in a 58-yard bomb on third down - a game-changing play that set up a 1-yard touchdown to give the Rams a commanding 30-14 lead heading into the fourth.
But this game was far from over.
A Wild Finish in Seattle
The Seahawks mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, erasing a 16-point deficit to force overtime. That comeback included a controversial two-point conversion that had fans - and players - scratching their heads.
On the play, Sam Darnold’s pass was batted down and initially ruled incomplete. But after review, officials determined it was a backward pass, recovered in the end zone by Zach Charbonnet for a successful two-point try.
That tied the game at 30-30 and set the stage for a chaotic finish.
In overtime, the Rams struck first - and once again, it was Nacua who delivered. Eight plays into an 80-yard drive, he hauled in a 41-yard touchdown to put Los Angeles up 37-30. It was the exclamation point on a career night, and it looked like it might be the dagger.
But Seattle answered right back.
Darnold led the Seahawks on a matching touchdown drive, capped off by a 4-yard score to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Then, with the game on the line, the Seahawks went for two - and converted for the third time in the game. Darnold found tight end Eric Saubert wide open in the middle of the end zone to seal a dramatic 38-37 win.
Postgame Emotions and Fallout
After the game, Nacua’s frustrations boiled over again - this time on social media. He posted a tweet criticizing the officiating, which he later deleted.
“Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution.
Lol,” he wrote.
Speaking with reporters in the locker room afterward, Nacua admitted he regretted the post. “It was just a lack of awareness,” he said. “Just frustration.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay, when asked about the tweet, said he hadn’t seen it yet and declined to comment until he had more information. But he did address the earlier controversy surrounding Nacua’s livestream appearance, saying the receiver had been “very apologetic.”
“I don’t think he understood the totality of some of the things,” McVay said. “I know this guy’s heart… He’s a young guy that’s a great kid that’s continuing to learn about just the platform that he has.
I love him. We’re going to continue to put our arm around him and help him learn and grow.”
A Defining Night, On and Off the Field
There’s no question that Nacua’s week has been filled with turbulence. But what he did on the field Thursday night was nothing short of spectacular. He was the best player on the field in a game filled with stars, and he nearly willed the Rams to a massive win in the NFC playoff race.
Instead, it’s Seattle that walks away with the victory - and with it, a postseason berth and the top seed in the NFC with two weeks to play.
Still, Nacua’s performance won’t be forgotten anytime soon. It was a reminder of his rare talent and his ability to rise in the biggest moments - even when the spotlight is burning hot.