Rams rookie WR Puka Nacua sets remarkable NFL record
Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua continued his unlikely early-season success on Sunday, remarkably breaking an NFL record that stood for over four decades.
Securing his 20th reception early in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua set the NFL mark for most catches by a player over their first two career games, previously held by former Niner Earl Cooper (1980).
The 2023 fifth-round pick finished the day with 15 catches for 147 yards, cementing the record at 25 grabs.
Nacua also etched his name in the history books by becoming the first player to have 10 or more catches and 100-plus receiving yards in each of their first two career games, per ESPN Stats and Info.
Adding to the insanity, Nacua could enter Week 3 as the NFL leader in receptions. Following the Rams' 30-23 loss to the 49ers on Sunday, Nacua had a four-reception lead over Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson (20), who played Thursday night. Nacua has benefited from plenty of opportunities, having already surpassed the NFL record for most targets (35) through a player's first two games, previously held by former Arizona Cardinals standout Anquan Boldin (30). Though, with only 10 attempts resulting in incompletions, Nacua has made the most of his chances.
There's no way to predict how the rest of the 2023 campaign will shake out for Nacua, whose rise has shocked the NFL. However, if he follows in the footsteps of the player he topped for an NFL record on Sunday, the future is bright for Nacua.
In his first season with the Niners 43 years ago, Cooper not only set the mark Nacua just broke but finished behind only Hall of Fame TE Kellen Winslow for the league lead in catches with 83, six behind the former San Diego super Charger.
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