If you look up receiving records for rookies, Puka Nacua owns just about all of them. Not only did he set the single-season records for the most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) ever by a rookie, but he added another to his resume on Sunday night against the Detroit Lions.
In his playoff debut, Nacua caught nine passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, putting the offense on his back by making play after play. His 181 yards are the most ever by a rookie receiver, eclipsing the record set by DK Metcalf four years ago when he had 160 yards against the Eagles in a 17-9 win.
Here’s the play in which Nacua set the record, a 35-yard reception over the middle where he broke yet another tackle.
Puka Nacua sets a rookie record for receiving yards in a playoff game!
📺: #LARvsDET on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/upLPjD2Lhe— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
In the first half alone, Nacua had more than 100 yards receiving, in part because of that 50-yard score that pulled the Rams within four points against the Lions.
He’s been a stud all season and that continued on Sunday night with yet another gutsy performance.
Sean McVay called him “a freakin’ warrior” after the game and said he’s going to be “a problem” for the rest of the league if he keeps playing the way he has.
.@AsapPuka "is a freakin' warrior… This guy is going to be a problem for a long time." pic.twitter.com/1pFANWnMQu
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 15, 2024
