Rams' Nacua Sets NFL Record in Week 2 Loss vs. 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams lost to the San Francisco 49ers, but receiver Puka Nacua has adequately answered any questions Cooper Kupp's absence posed.

The Los Angeles Rams were staring down the barrel of a hamstring injury to receiver Cooper Kupp as they entered the year. After two weeks, it’s clear rookie receiver Puka Nacua is the answer to the pop quiz that is Kupp’s absence.

Los Angeles lost its home opener on Sunday, 30-23, to the San Francisco 49ers. Sure, the more talented team outlasted the other, but the offense looked viable despite injuries at receiver and offensive line.

After a second strong outing, Nacua isn’t just a cemented member of the Rams’ receiving corps. He’s an NFL record holder. Nacua is the first player in league history to haul in at least 10 catches and 100 yards in each of his first two games.

He is also the new single-game record holder for catches by a rookie, and his 25 receptions through two weeks trails only receivers Michael Thomas and Andre Rison—neither of whom were rookies during their impressive early-season stretches.

On Sunday, he saw an insane 20 targets, catching 15 of them for 147 yards. He was quarterback Matthew Stafford’s go-to target on third down and dominated in the intermediate part of the field.

Somehow, his Week 1 performance topped his debut, which saw 15 targets, 10 receptions, and 119 yards.

Nacua, the 177th pick in April’s draft, flew under the radar. He’s shocked the football world through two weeks, and the only remaining surprise is that despite his gaudy target numbers, he hasn’t scored a touchdown.

“He’s tough, he’s a physical competitor,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay. “He’s the epitome of what we want to be as Rams. I love Puka Nacua.”

It’s safe to say he’s earned himself a role in the offense for when Kupp returns.

Nacua will have a chance to break additional records, or perhaps return to Earth, on Monday Night Football next week. Los Angeles will visit the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, where they’ll surely call upon his number once more.