Rams WR Puka Nacua 'not really' feeling pressure following record-setting year

One of the biggest surprises of the 2023 season was the diamond in the rough that was Rams fifth-round wide receiver Puka Nacua.

The No. 177 overall pick last year set several records, including the most receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) in a rookie season, most receptions by a rookie in a game (15) and most receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game (181).

Nacua didn't have any expectations heading into his rookie season, but following his record-setting year, a new standard has been set. The second-year wide receiver is not really feeling any pressure, though.

"No, not really," Nacua said on NFL Network's Schedule Release '24. "I think coming into this year, I think it definitely presents a challenge of just trying to reset the standard. ... I'm super excited for the challenges that come up this year."

It will not be easy for Nacua to repeat last year's success. He quickly established himself as Los Angeles' No. 1 wide receiver while fellow wide receiver Cooper Kupp dealt with a lingering hamstring injury.

Kupp, who was the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16), will likely be fully healthy this time around.

This isn't to say Kupp will replicate his 2021 season either, but both players will prevent the other from putting up dominant numbers once again.

From a team standpoint, however, that's a good thing. The Rams, having a fully healthy Kupp and Nacua, will keep opposing defenses up at night. The offensive genius that is head coach Sean McVay already does that.

Nacua can only take it one week at a time, but Los Angeles will pick up right where it left off last season.

In Week 1, the Rams will travel to face the Lions, who defeated them 24-23 to eliminate them in the wild-card round of the playoffs. 

It's safe to say Nacua would play the game today if he could.

"I almost didn't get any sleep," Nacua added. "I was just thinking about, man, all the plays that we are getting ready to improve on, and being able to be back in Detroit is going to be a fun one in Week 1."