NFL Notebook: Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua shines in Week 1, Jets won’t inquire on former NFL quarterback, Micah Parsons rips Giants coaches
No Cooper Kupp, no problem.
The Rams might have a new No. 1 wide receiver while their top weapon is out dealing with a hamstring injury. Puka Nacua made 10 receptions for 119 yards in his NFL debut. Highlighting a signature performance in a 30-13 win over the Seahawks in Week 1.
Nacua was targeted 15 times, a team-high, and led the team in all receiving categories.
Fellow wide receiver TuTu Atwell had a strong first game on Sunday. Atwell had six catches for 119 yards.
"I'm so proud of those guys, but I'm not surprised," Rams coach Sean McVay said. "That's what Tutu Atwell had been doing, going months back. And I thought he really started to play with a lot of confidence towards the latter part of last year when he got his opportunities that were earned.
"Puka Nacua has come in and he's as mature a rookie as I've ever been around. And he is a physical, tough, strong player. He's got a great way about himself. And both of those guys stepped up."
The 22-year-old was drafted in the fight-round in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Utah. He would quickly become Matthew Stafford’s favorite target and might continue to be for the next few weeks.
Nacua looked like a No. 1 weapon and the young receiver tried to keep putting extra pressure on himself. He noted having Kupp on the sideline Sunday, was like having another coach.
"It's always nice to have him on the field, but then when he's not, the level of communication he has takes another step to being able to make sure we understand," Nacua said. "And when we're coming back and we're checking the iPads and stuff like that, he's the first one there saying, 'Hey,' either 'good job' or 'this is what I'm seeing and this is what I'm looking at.' Coop's the man. I love that guy. I feel like I'm blessed to be in this situation."
Jets won’t inquire on Tom Brady, he’ll remain retired
The Jets have a quarterback problem. Aaron Rodgers was lost for the season after suffering a left Achilles injury on Monday night.
The team must now turn to former first rounder Zack Wilson. Jets’ head coach announced Wilson will be the starter for the remainder of the season.
With the team needing another answer under center, the Jets have ruled out adding Tom Brady, according to The Athletic’s Diana Russini.
The 46-year-old retired this offseason and was honored during the Patriots home opener in Week 1.
“I want to make it very clear, Zach's our quarterback. We have a lot of faith in Zach. We’re rolling with Zach and excited for him,” Saleh told reporters.
Saleh also was firm with reporters saying they’ll be no competition at the position, re-affirming Wilson was their top choice moving forward.
“Under no circumstances is any of this a competition. This is Zach [Wilson]’s team and we’re rolling with Zach,” Saleh said.
Cowboys’ Micah Parsons rips Giants following Week 1 blowout win
Micah Parsons didn’t hold back adding more salt into the wounds of the Giants following the 40-0 blowout beatdown on Sunday.
The 24-year-old ripped the Giants coaching staff for not removing quarterback Daniel Jones in the fourth quarter.
Speaking on a podcast for the Bleacher Report, Parsons thought the Giants failed Jones.
“It’s called protecting your guy. You know, something I thought the Giants should’ve done,” Parsons said. “I don’t think Daniel Jones should’ve been in that game in the fourth quarter. I thought they should’ve protected him and pulled him out. And barring injury, their season will be over without Daniel Jones.”
Parsons used an example of the Bengals pulling Joe Burrow during 24-3 loss to the Browns.
“‘Hey, we’re going to submit, we’re going to take our loss and we’re going to move on to next week and get better,'” Parsons said of protecting Burrow. “That’s the best thing you can do.”
Parsons had one of the seven sacks on Jones in Week 1.
“I do not agree with Daniel Jones staying out there until that last drive. I thought that was wrong, I thought it was deceiving,” said Parsons, a two-time All-Pro.
“That’s your franchise quarterback and he’s out there with a backup offensive line still getting sacked and hit. I just didn’t understand. Maybe it was a you know, prove-it moment by the Giants, I have no idea. A learning lesson, who knows? But I thought Daniel Jones should’ve got pulled out, so technically it’s not benched.”
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