Rams Puka Nacua Makes Statement for Offensive Rookie of the Year

(Photo : Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball against Ugo Amadi #0 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California

After a big-time performance on Thursday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams Rookie Puka Nacua cemented himself further in the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award Race.

The BYU product made a big statement in the Los Angeles Rams' 30-22 win against the (7-8) Saints last night, torching them for 164 receiving yards on nine catches and catching one touchdown in last night's game.

He also played a big part on Special Teams to seal the win for the Rams.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is the favorite to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Ohio State quarterback has been nothing short of spectacular for the Texans this season, having completed 62.4% of his passes for 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He currently ranks sixth in passing yards amongst other quarterbacks in the league despite only playing thirteen games this season; leading the Texans to their best record since the 2019 NFL season.

But despite Stroud's strong play throughout the season, many believe that Nacua can make up some ground in the OROY race, with Stroud sitting out due to a concussion and still remaining in the NFL concussion protocol.

So far this season, Nacua has 96 receptions, 1,327 receiving yards, and five touchdowns with 16 games played in the 2023 NFL season.

Nacua currently has six games with 100 receiving yards, third most in the NFL Super Bowl era; only behind Justin Jefferson and Odell Beckham Jr., who have seven.

Rams head coach, Sean McVay said Stroud is having a great season; however, Nacua would get his vote for offensive player of the year.

"He's really special," McVay per ESPN. "But the best part about him is, he doesn't worry about those things. He worries about being a great teammate and continuing to improve his game. [I] sure love this team. And he's one of those guys that you love."

Currently, the Rams, who are 8-7 on the season, are one of the league's hottest teams. With Nacua being a big part of the Ram offense, helping the team win five of their last six games. They are in the thick of the playoff race, sitting as the sixth seed in the NFC and second in the NFC West behind the San Francisco 49ers.