Last night was yet another stellar performance by Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua in their 30-22 win over the New Orleans Saints. This morning he has people debating whether he should win Rookie of the Year honors over another rising superstar.
Following last night’s performance with nine receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown, Nacua has 96 receptions for 1,327 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Only Tyreek Hill has more receiving yards.
But the betting favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year is still Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The former Ohio State Buckeye has been one of the league’s most efficient quarterbacks all season, with 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
So there’s a pretty fierce debate going on on social media this morning about it:
CJ Stroud will prob win Rookie of the Year because he’s a QB but Puka Nacua has been fantastic and made an impact immediately. The consistency is unmatched.
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) December 22, 2023
Puka Nacua has had a incredible season
BUT anyone winning OROTY over CJ Stroud would just be wrong. pic.twitter.com/AxMyNqijGl
— Jacob (@Stroud4ROTY) December 22, 2023
Puka Nacua would be running away with Offensive Rookie of the Year if not for CJ Stroud, and he still has a strong case to win it. He’s on pace for the most receiving yards ever by a rookie.
Sean McVay: “He’d get my vote” https://t.co/oyaIuVhJAs
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) December 22, 2023
C.J. Stroud had an amazing season. But Puka Nacua is the rookie of the year.
— Jamey Eisenberg (@JameyEisenberg) December 22, 2023
We’ve seen cases where a rising star quarterback is ultimately defeated in the Rookie of the Year voting by an incredible player elsewhere on the offense. In 2021 alone we saw Mac Jones finish second behind Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Who will win the award this year: Puka Nacua or C.J. Stroud?