Rams have a plan to push Puka Nacua to new heights in Week 18

A rookie in the NFL rarely has a chance at history.  The Los Angeles Rams and Sean McVay know this.  That is why in Week 18, McVay is planning on pushing rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua to new heights by playing him until he breaks the single-season rookie receiving record. After doing so, McVay said he […]

Ian Kayanja
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Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates his catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

A rookie in the NFL rarely has a chance at history. 

The Los Angeles Rams and Sean McVay know this. 

That is why in Week 18, McVay is planning on pushing rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua to new heights by playing him until he breaks the single-season rookie receiving record. After doing so, McVay said he would play it safe with his young star. 

"I think you'd like to be able to see him get an opportunity to do something special and then be smart with him,” coach Sean McVay told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether Nacua will be limited.

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 during the at M&T Bank Stadium.Image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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. 

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.

With the Rams resting quarterback Matthew Stafford, Nacuas will have to build chemistry with Carson Wentz. 

That won't come easy. But all he needs is a few more yards. Then McVay will take into account the current playoff hopes for the red-hot Rams. 

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