Rams vs 49ers Week 1: Puka Nacua Target Distribution Matrix

Game-Plan & Workload Model Week 1 Division Clash

Reported Fact (Adam Schefter):

“Rams WR Puka Nacua, who has been dealing with psoas soreness and also could be facing potential discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for previous off-the-field behavior, is expected to play in Week 1 vs. the 49ers, per HC Sean McVay.”

Source: @AdamSchefter Opponent: San Francisco 49ers Baseline Pass Volume: 35 att

Puka Nacua Snap Share: 75%

20% (Red Zone Only / Decoy) 50% (Underneath Slot Role) 95% (Every-Down Alpha)

Team Projected Pass Attempts:

Nacua Target Share

26.3%

Nacua Proj. Targets

9.2

Top Target WR

Cooper Kupp

Receiver	Role / Alignment	Proj. Targets	Share %	Volume Bar

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Tactical Route-Tree & 49ers Shell Passing Grid vs Cover 3 / Quarters

49ers defense relies heavily on middle-field closed Cover 3 and quarters brackets. Psoas injury shifts route distributions toward lower-torque drag/dig concepts rather than full boundary deep clears.

Nacua Target Arc

Kupp Slot Option

Deep Perimeter / TE Leak

0-5y Short Release

37.1%

6-15y Intermediate Cross

34.5%

16+y Deep Boundary

28.4%

Medical & Scouting Notes (Psoas Strain): The iliopsoas complex flexes the hip and stabilizes lumbar spine during explosive acceleration. High snap counts test high-speed decel on boundary comebacks. Sean McVay frequently utilizes Nacua in condensed splits and short motions to ease initial release stress.