Rams rookie chasing history in last week of NFL regular season

With an NFL Playoff berth in hand, the Los Angeles Rams don't have much to play for heading into Week 18. But Rams rookie Puka Nacua is using the last week of the season to chase history. Nacua needs four more catches to pass Jaylen Waddle for the most receptions by a rookie in 2021. Then Nacua also […]

Ian Kayanja

Jan 1, 2024 1:39 PM EST

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports — Feature image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With an NFL Playoff berth in hand, the Los Angeles Rams don't have much to play for heading into Week 18.

But Rams rookie Puka Nacua is using the last week of the season to chase history.

Nacua needs four more catches to pass Jaylen Waddle for the most receptions by a rookie in 2021. Then Nacua also needs 29 receiving yards to pass Bill Groman for the most receiving yards by a rookie. That record has stood since the 1960 season.

With these records within reach, it puts into perspective how good Nacua has been throughout the 2023 season.

Against the New York Giants, Nacua collected five catches for 118 yards, averaging 23.6 yards per catch. The week before, Nacua had nine catches for 164 yards and a touchdown.

How good is Puka Nacua?

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after scoring a second quarter touchdown during the at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports — Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates with wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) after scoring a second-quarter touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium.Image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams could rest the starters in Week 18. With the heart-pounding 26-25 win over the Giants, Los Angeles assured its spot in the NFL's big dance.

However, Rams head coach Sean McVay should start and play Nacua because history is on the line.

Still, if Nacua's season ends after Week 17, he will own one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent NFL history.

On the year, Nacua has 101 catches, good enough for eighth in the league. He also has 1,445 yards, good for fourth in the NFL.

Nacua and Matthew Stafford have built trust in one another, and with the Rams offense peaking at the right time, it may be a duo good enough to run the tables in the postseason.