Every team in the NFL has Super Bowl aspirations, but the closer you get without actually achieving it, the more painful it can be. Los Angeles Rams standout receiver Puka Nacua felt that pain with a 31-27 loss in the 2025 NFL Championship to the Seattle Seahawks, and he knows how to get over that hurdle for the 2026 campaign.
Nacua Knows How To Get Further In 2026
Losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions left a sour taste in Nacua’s mouth, especially considering the divisional rivalry between the two teams. During an interview with RG (Research Ground), Nacua discussed the defeat and why it can serve as a catalyst for the next year.
“That’s what you live for. You live your dream about that as a little kid to play in those big games. Obviously we didn’t have the outcome that we wanted, but it drives that competitive edge to head into the offseason, and that motivation to continue to get better.”
Later in the interview, RG asked the Rams receiver what it would take from him and the team to avoid another playoff exit. Los Angeles lost their last three postseason games by a combined 11 points, and Nacua understands that the little things will make all the difference when those defining moments come around again.
“I think I can speak for the offensive side of the ball, of the opportunities, in those crunch time moments in the third down and the fourth down conversions, when the game’s on the line, the ability to execute in those moments,” Nacua said, never one to shy away from a game-changing opportunity.
“I know that as a wide receiver,” Nacua continued, “You come up, you sprint onto the field when it’s third down, because everybody knows that the ball is getting ready to be passed. The ability to execute every single time you walk out there in a third down is critical every time and in every game.”
At the helm of the Rams’ offensive machine is Matthew Stafford, who Nacua sees as selfless and speaks in a way that lets you know he would follow his quarterback into battle anytime. Nacua has faith in the players on the team, not just Stafford, but he praised the entire receiving group in the RG interview, citing the cohesion of the group as what makes them different.
“That’s a huge pride in our wide receiver room, especially for our offense, but I think the ability to play for each other. I think we have the most selfless quarterback in the NFL, and that mentality that he has bleeds into every other position group. So to continue that, because it will pay off for us.”
The Rams have been one possession away from a win in their last three postseason losses, but if they can make the foundational tweaks Nacua spoke of, the hurdle would be much easier to overcome. Perhaps next time it will be Stafford and Nacua who make that final, winning play to continue their playoff push.
