Offseason workouts at Cooper Kupp’s house have Puka Nacua in better shape for Year 2

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Offseason workouts at Cooper Kupp’s house have Puka Nacua in better shape for Year 2​

Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua could hardly be expected to play any better in 2024 than he did in 2023, when he was one of the best rookie receivers in NFL history. But he’s doing everything he can to become a better player.

That starts with getting in better shape by going to teammate Cooper Kupp’s house for early-morning workouts.

Rams wide receivers coach Eric Yarber says his biggest piece of advice for Nacua heading into his first NFL offseason was to take care of his body the same way that Kupp does.

“The first thing I wanted him to do is hold on to Cooper Kupp’s coattails and train with him and do everything he does,” Yarber told Sarah Barshop of ESPN. “And he took that to heart.”

Yarber says Nacua is in noticeably better shape now than he was as a rookie.

“His body is totally different,” Yarber said. “He looks just like Cooper. He’s lost so much body fat and gained so much lean muscle, which enabled him to move more efficiently now. And he has better body control. But he did exactly what I said. And you’re seeing some of the results right now.”

Since his Offensive Player of the Year-winning season in 2021, Kupp has struggled with injuries and his production has declined significantly. Last year, the emergence of Nacua made up for Kupp missing five games and being less than 100 percent healthy in others. But if Nacua and Kupp can both be healthy and in great shape this year, Matthew Stafford will have as good a pair of receivers to throw to as any quarterback in the NFL. Those early-morning workouts are designed to have both of them ready for big years.
 

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Yarber says Nacua is in noticeably better shape now than he was as a rookie.

“His body is totally different,” Yarber said. “He looks just like Cooper. He’s lost so much body fat and gained so much lean muscle, which enabled him to move more efficiently now. And he has better body control. But he did exactly what I said. And you’re seeing some of the results right now.”
Rookie WR’s don’t do what Nacua did… and typically make big leaps year 2. It’s awesome to see he wants more.

Not a better guy to learn good habits from than Kupp.
 

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Rookie WR’s don’t do what Nacua did… and typically make big leaps year 2. It’s awesome to see he wants more.

Not a better guy to learn good habits from than Kupp.
And this year's Rams O might be lethal as hell because of that attitude in our WR room, not to mention the fortified RB room and Revamped OL. And I don't think I'd prefer any other field general than #9. Damn excited again!
 

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Sean McVay Raves About How Young LA Standout is Adjusting to Stardom​

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay will try to lead his team back to the mountain top. The task, while mighty, is possible considering the weapons his team has on the offensive side. The defense still needs to prove themselves, but there is no doubt about the offense. While it starts and ends with Matthew Stafford, Rams All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua will, once again, be vital to this explosive offense.

Nacua established himself as a valuable threat and fantasy darling during his rookie season, but now the challenge will be whether he can be just as productive moving forward. No longer is Nacua an unknown name. He is a proven commodity, and the Rams hope he does it again.

McVay believes he can do just that and has taken the necessary steps to reach his full potential. Nacua is reaching heights of stardom that seemed impossible just a year ago. However, with all eyes on Nacua, McVay believes Nacua will remain level-headed.

"There was obviously a lot of accolades that came with the production that he had, but that's accompanied with an authentic humility," coach Sean McVay said.

"I've seen a guy that's really continuing to become even more of a pro. Taking care of his body, getting on a more disciplined diet, the way that he's come out here and worked hard, the way that he's just so receptive to coaching, but also earning that confidence."

Nacua has had a busy offseason, attending many events around the world and around the country. Los Angeles is very familiar with Nacua as he's established himself as a household name. It's tough to adjust to fame, but thus far, it seems like Nacua is embracing it, and it won't affect his game.

The 23-year-old has lost 10 pounds and is working alongside Cooper Kupp to improve his game. Nacua has a lot to prove to prove that his rookie season was no fluke.
 

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Soul Stealers, Inc. is ready to roll in 2024. Matthew has a Battering Ram OL in front of him; Cooper and Puka are healthy ... for now; Karen has a new tag team partner that is very much like him; and the Leprechaun is recharged and enthusiastic again. To the rest of the NFL: be afraid; be very afraid!!!

I absolutely love! how the Horns doubled down on another lethal looking edge/DL rookie tandem. Talk about being serious regarding replacing AD99's productivity with multiple guys, at least NFL DCs could just focus on stopping one guy. Now the hits will be coming from everywhere as soon as this front seven jells by around mid-season (or even earlier!!!).

Our special team kickers, Evens and Karty, are generating vibes of a young Johnny Hekker and Greg Zuerlein. Time for a Rampaging session that will stop with Lombardi Gold!!!