McVay aims to get Adams more blended in plays

Rams coach says a mix of Nacua and the veteran newcomer would be optimum.

- By Gary KLEIN

PUKA NACUA (12) was praised by Davante Adams for his toughness in Week 1.

Puka Nacua stole the show. Davante Adams was a supporting player.

That was the story for the star receivers in the Rams’ season-opening victory over the Houston Texans.

No one was complaining.

Except, perhaps, fantasy football players who drafted Adams.

“That's not in the forefront of my mind,” Adams, chuckling, said this week. “I know they think it is. I’m just out here trying to win games and contribute and make plays when I can.”

Nacua brushed off a cut above his eye that required stitches and caught 10 passes for 130 yards. Adams, making his Rams debut, caught four passes for 51 yards.

As the season progresses — starting with Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville — coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are apt to even out the targets.

“I'm excited about being able to learn — and it’s a good thing to be able to figure out how to get those guys involved,” McVay said as the Rams prepared for a Titans (0-1) team that will be playing its home opener,

Nissan Stadium in Nashville was the setting for one of the first big moments of McVay’s tenure.

In 2017, McVay’s first season, the Rams clinched the NFC West with a victory over the Titans made possible by then-rookie receiver Cooper Kupp’s diving touchdown catch.

Last March, a few days after they agreed to terms with the three-time All-Pro Adams, the Rams released Kupp, the 2021 NFL offensive player of the year and most valuable player of Super Bowl LVI.

Since last visiting Tennessee, the Rams have played in two Super Bowls and won a title.

They have been to the playoffs six times in MeVay’s eight seasons.

With a deep and talented roster, they are regarded as Super Bowl contenders.

But much of that rides on how MeVay can blend Nacua and Adams.