Rams WR Puka Nacua Earns Special Honor After Record-Setting Performance
Through the first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua is arguably the biggest breakout star in the league.
A fifth-round pick out of BYU, Nacua was thrust into the spotlight to start the season as star receiver Cooper Kupp found himself on IR to start the season. The rookie has taken full advantage of the opportunity and has actually been one of the best receivers in the league so far. Through two weeks, Nacua leads the league with 25 receptions and 35 targets and is second in receiving yards with 266.
Nacua hasn't just had a hot start to his career, but one of the best by any receiver ever. His 25 receptions through two games are the most by any receiver in NFL history, shattering Earl Cooper's mark of 19 receptions in 1980. Then on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua set another record with 15 receptions, the most ever by a rookie in a single game.
For his record-setting performance, Nacua earned the NFL's Rookie of the Week award on Thursday.
By winning the award, Nacua ended a long drought for the Rams. The last Ram to win Rookie of the Week was running back Todd Gurley in Week 4 of the 2015 season when the franchise was still in St. Louis.
Unfortunately, Nacua's accomplishments happened to come during a loss, which somewhat taints it for him. However, his quick rise is still extremely impressive and something everyone in the franchise can feel proud of.
For a late fifth-round pick, Nacua is already looking like an absolute steal for the Rams. He should be a big piece of the offense for the foreseeable future, even once Kupp inevitably returns.
