Rams WR Puka Nacua Downplays Record Start

Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua set an NFL record with 25 receptions in his first two games, but the fact that it didn't come with a win stings.

Through the first two games of the season, Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the league's top breakout stars.

A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Nacua was expected to play a big role in the offense right away, but with star receiver Cooper Kupp missing the start of the season, his role increased significantly. So far, he has taken the opportunity and ran with it, leading the league with 25 receptions and placing second with 266 receiving yards. In fact, Nacua's 25 receptions are the most ever by a player in their first two career games.

As nice as having that record is, though, the fact that it came in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday still stings for Nacua.

"My success will come when the team wins," Nacua said, per the Rams' site. "So I'm excited us for to be able to come back and capitalize when we're able to win. It was sweet last week, I got things to improve on, but the most important thing is getting that dub."

Nacua had an exceptional performance against San Francisco, catching 15 passes for 147 yards. He set another record along the way, with 15 receptions being the most in a single game by a rookie. The fact that Nacua has found so much success so early has come as a surprise even to him.

"I don't know if I could wrap my head all the way around it," Nacua said. "But one day at a time, one play at a time, just trying to be where my feet are at and make sure that I'm executing in the moments where I'm asked to execute."

Nacua may be hard on himself, but if he keeps performing as he has, then the wins he so desires should come in bunches.