Puka Nacua’s rookie season could be historic: Rams receiver is on the verge of breaking an age-old record

Puka Nacua is playing an extraordinary season. It could even be historic.

The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver is on the verge of breaking an age-old NFL record.

Before the last two games of the regular season, Nacua has 1,327 receiving yards. Bill Groman has held the record for most receiving yards in a rookie season since 1960 (!).

Back then, Groman caught passes for 1,473 yards for the Houston Oilers, with whom he also won the American Football League (AFL) title at the time.

For Nacua, this means that he needs 147 yards in the two games with the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers to break the record after 63 years.

According to his average of 88.5 yards per game, this should be achievable. The predictions therefore forecast a result of 1,504 yards.

Either way, the 22-year-old joins a list of illustrious names. They have failed to break Groman’s record in recent years.

Illustrious names behind Groman

Behind Groman are Ja’Marr Chase (1,455 yards in 2021), Justin Jefferson (1,400 yards in 2020) and Anquan Boldin (1,377 yards in 2003).

Nacua follows in fifth place, just ahead of Randy Moss (1,313 yards in 1998) and Odell Beckham Jr. (1,305 yards in 2014).

Statistics or not, the Rams’ big goal is the playoffs because the postseason is still doable for the Rams with an 8-7 record. To do so, they not only need Nacua’s yards, but above all victories.