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One-handed catches are hard enough.
Los Angeles Rams superstar receiver Puka Nacua went a step further against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Not only did the former BYU standout make a diving one-handed grab in the fourth quarter, but he did so while fighting off Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson for the football.
‘Puka Nacua, absolutely ridiculous, to set up first down and goal,’ Fox’s Adam Amin exclaimed with 10:36 remaining in the game.
Beyond the right-handed catch and the ensuing fight for the ball, Nacua also had the presence of mind to twist his body under the football as he and Jackson fell to the turf. As a result, the ball never hit the ground and Panthers coach Dave Canales didn’t even bother throwing the challenge flag.
The Rams’ social media account quickly declared it to be ‘catch of the year,’ and many fans seemed to agree.
‘PUKA NACUA IS NOT HUMAN,’ one fan wrote on X.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua catches a pass over Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson
Some fans are calling Nacua's grab the 'catch of the year' with a month left to play in 2025
‘I’m no doctor,’ another responded, ‘but I’m inclined to agree.’
‘Dude looking like a pro, all the other guys are amateurs,’ one X user added.
Several argued that the 24-year-old Nacua now ranks among the ‘most talented receivers in the NFL.’
Nacua now ranks among the league leaders in receptions (80) and receiving yards (947).
Kyren Williams would run it in for a touchdown on the ensuing play to give the Rams a 28-24 lead, but the Panthers clawed back and forced a Matthew Stafford fumble later in the frame before killing the final 2:25 to clinch the win and improve to 7-6.
The Rams are now 9-3 with the loss.
In addition to his costly fumble, Stafford’s streak of 28 consecutive touchdown passes without an interception came to an end in Charlotte.
After finding Davante Adams for a touchdown on the game’s first possession, Stafford’s third pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage and intercepted in the end zone by Panthers safety Nick Scott.
Stafford was picked off again on the Rams’ third drive of the game. He had not been picked off in the last 10 weeks.
Rams will host the Arizona Cardinals next week while the Panthers welcome the Seattle Seahawks.
