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 Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. The third-year standout found himself at the center of controversy off the field earlier in the week, but by Thursday night, he was back in the spotlight for the reasons Rams fans have come to expect - elite production, big plays, and an undeniable impact on the game.
Let’s start with the performance. Nacua put together the most dominant outing of his young career, torching the Seahawks for 12 catches, 225 yards, and two touchdowns - all in a game that had major playoff implications.
It was the kind of night that reminds you why the Rams are so high on him. He wasn’t just a factor - he was the factor.
But while Nacua’s heroics nearly carried L.A. to a win, Seattle had other plans. In a wild back-and-forth that saw both teams exchange punches deep into overtime, the Seahawks ultimately walked away with a 38-37 win after converting their third two-point try of the night - this one a game-winner from Sam Darnold to Eric Saubert.
Let’s break it down.
A Week of Headlines, On and Off the Field
Before we dive deeper into the game, it’s impossible to ignore the context. Earlier this week, Nacua came under fire for two separate incidents during a livestream appearance. One involved criticism of NFL officiating, and the other - more serious - was a gesture that was later widely condemned as antisemitic.
Nacua addressed the situation on Instagram, stating he was unaware of the gesture’s meaning at the time and apologized, saying, “I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.” Rams head coach Sean McVay echoed that sentiment postgame, calling Nacua “a great kid” who is “continuing to learn” and emphasizing the team’s support for his growth.
Nacua’s Career Night: A Deep Threat Unleashed
Once the game kicked off, it was clear Nacua came to play.
He was electric from the jump, making big plays in every quarter - including a 54-yard catch and run in the first that set up a field goal. Then came a 58-yard bomb to close the third quarter, setting up a short touchdown that gave the Rams a 30-14 lead. That one came courtesy of a no-look dart from Matthew Stafford - a vintage Stafford moment paired with Nacua’s route-running precision.
But the signature highlight came in overtime. With the Rams needing a score to open the extra frame, Nacua capped an 80-yard drive with a 41-yard touchdown - his second of the night - putting L.A. ahead 37-30 and pushing him past the 200-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career.
It should’ve been the game-winner. But Seattle had other ideas.
Seahawks Rally Late, Clinch Playoff Berth
The Seahawks responded with a methodical drive of their own, tying the game on a Jaxon Smith-Njigba touchdown. Then, instead of playing for a second overtime, Pete Carroll’s crew went for two - and the win. Darnold found tight end Eric Saubert over the middle, and just like that, the Seahawks sealed a dramatic comeback victory.
It was Seattle’s third successful two-point conversion of the night - an unusually high number for any team, let alone in a single game. One of those conversions, the one that tied the game at 30-30 in regulation, came on a bizarre play that initially looked like a dead ball.
Darnold’s pass was batted and ruled incomplete - until replay showed it was actually a backward pass. Zach Charbonnet recovered it in the end zone, and suddenly, the Seahawks had new life.
That moment - and the officiating around it - drew immediate scrutiny. And Nacua, still riding the emotional highs and lows of the game, expressed his frustration on social media.
In a now-deleted post on X, he wrote: “Can you say I was wrong. Appreciate you stripes for your contribution.
Lol.”
He later told reporters he regretted the post, calling it “just frustration” and “a lack of awareness.”
McVay Responds, Rams Regroup
McVay, speaking after the game, said he wasn’t aware of the tweet at the time but reiterated his support for Nacua, both in terms of his growth as a person and his value to the team.
“He was very apologetic,” 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.”
It’s clear the Rams are standing behind their star receiver - and with good reason. Despite the off-field noise, Nacua continues to prove he’s one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.
What’s Next
The loss stings for Los Angeles. Not only did it cost them a chance to lock up a playoff spot, but it also handed the NFC’s top seed back to Seattle, with just two weeks left in the regular season. The Rams will need to regroup quickly - and they’ll need Nacua at his best again down the stretch.
For Nacua, this week has been a reminder of the spotlight that comes with NFL stardom - both the opportunities and the responsibilities. But if Thursday night is any indication, he’s still letting his play do the loudest talking.
And right now, that voice is booming.