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Sarah Barshop, ESPN Staff Writer
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a stunning display of talent, Puka Nacua, the rookie wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, achieved a record-breaking performance that left him in awe. After his remarkable performance, Nacua, still new to the NFL and unfamiliar with the stadium, asked a team employee for directions to the front of the stadium.
Nacua’s performance in the Rams’ 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday was nothing short of extraordinary. He caught 15 passes for 147 yards, breaking the NFL’s single-game record for receptions by a rookie. Furthermore, he set a league record with 25 catches in his first two career games.
In his NFL debut the previous week, Nacua had already recorded 10 catches for 119 yards. With his 10th catch in Sunday’s game, he surpassed Earl Cooper’s 1980 record for most receptions in a player’s first two games. Nacua also became the first player to achieve 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in each of his first two NFL games.
Rams coach Sean McVay spoke highly of Nacua, describing him as a “stud” who has quickly grasped the game both physically and mentally. McVay praised Nacua’s work ethic, inquisitiveness, and his rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford. McVay believes that Nacua will only continue to improve.
Puka Nacua now joins an elite group of players in NFL history who have recorded 100 or more receiving yards in each of their first two games. According to Elias Sports Bureau research, the other members of this exclusive club are Don Looney (1940), DeSean Jackson (2008), and Will Fuller V (2016).
In addition, Nacua’s 25 receptions in his first two games are the most by a rookie over any two-game span in NFL history. This accomplishment surpasses Odell Beckham Jr.’s 23 catches in December 2014.
Despite his record-breaking day, Nacua remains humble and focused on the team’s success. He admitted that he was not aware of the records he had set, emphasizing that his personal achievements only matter when the team wins. He expressed excitement for future victories and acknowledged areas for improvement.
Nacua was listed on the injury report with an oblique injury but felt fully recovered by game day. The absence of star receiver Cooper Kupp, currently on injured reserve, has highlighted the impact of Nacua’s performance.
ESPN Stats & Information and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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