Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua said San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is the best defender he has faced, describing the middle of the field as a threatening place to run routes, during an appearance on the 'Impaulsive' podcast hosted by Logan Paul and Mike Majlak.
Rams receiver Puka Nacua names 49ers linebacker Fred Warner the toughest defender he has faced
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua said San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner is the best defender he has faced, describing the middle of the field as a threatening place to run routes, during an appearance on the 'Impaulsive' podcast hosted by Logan Paul and Mike Majlak.
Nacua recalled running a route without receiving the ball and finding Warner standing beside him. According to Nacua, Warner told him, 'I knew exactly where you're going,' prompting Nacua to note that Warner had appeared to travel from the left sideline to his position in the span of a single play. Warner's reported reply was: 'That's just what I do.'
Nacua said of Warner: 'There's nobody that covers that much space. It's scary. The middle of the field is terrible.'
Warner, a four-time All-Pro, was ranked first among NFL linebackers by coaches and executives despite a broken and dislocated ankle that limited him to six games last season.
Nacua's stated fear has not been reflected in his overall production against San Francisco. Across four games with Warner on the field, Nacua caught 34 of 43 targets for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Warner was credited as Nacua's primary defender on only two of those targets, allowing one reception for seven yards, indicating Nacua has largely avoided direct matchups with Warner.
The two players share an indirect personal connection: Warner played at BYU with Nacua's older brother, Kai. Nacua acknowledged the tension between that familiarity and divisional rivalry, saying: 'Fred, I kind of hate you. We're supposed to not like each other, but I also enjoy watching you play.'
The 49ers and Rams are scheduled to open the season in Melbourne. Warner is reported to be healthy and participating fully in training camp. Nacua recently left a joint practice with minor groin soreness, according to the source.
Nacua also faces potential NFL discipline stemming from offseason allegations. The league has not announced a decision. His attorney has denied the claims against him.
Nacua led the NFL last season with 129 receptions and 10 receiving touchdowns, and finished second with 1,715 receiving yards.
- Warner has not been directly quoted in the source; his words appear only as recalled by Nacua during the podcast.
- The nature and specifics of the offseason allegations against Nacua are not described.
- The source does not identify Nacua's attorney by name.
- The source does not specify the date of the 'Impaulsive' podcast appearance.
- The source does not state which four games against San Francisco are reflected in Nacua's receiving statistics.
Read the original at New York Post