One of the standout developments in Week 1 for the Los Angeles Rams was the emergence of Tutu Atwell as a legitimate threat in the passing game. Following the third-year receiver’s impressive outing in Week 1, Matthew Stafford expressed his confidence in Atwell moving forward.
“Yeah, I mean I think for any player, especially a guy like Tutu, receivers and in this offense, the better you grasp what we’re trying to do on offense as a whole, and you can play in different spots and we can move you around, you can go out there and play fast,” Stafford said. “He can go out there and let his skills show because he’s confident in what he’s doing, what we’re trying to accomplish with him on whatever route or whatever blocking scheme. He’s done an unbelievable job at really working his tail off. I would feel confident putting Tutu in any of the three receiver spots and him knowing what to do on majority, if not every single play which is an awesome thing for a younger guy and a guy that his first years wasn’t asked to do that. His ability to do that I think is going to be really good for him personally and for us as a team and that’s just because of the work that he’s put into it and trying to make sure that he understands what we’re trying to accomplish, where he needs to line up. He’s helping other guys get lined up right now. I mean, it’s really good stuff. So I’m just proud of him and the work that he’s put into it.”
Buy Rams TicketsWith Cooper Kupp placed on injured reserve to begin the season, Atwell received the second-most offensive snaps among wide receivers on the Rams in Week 1. Van Jefferson was the only wideout on the Rams to log more snaps on offense.
Atwell would have a career game against the Seattle Seahawks to open the season, hauling in six of his eight targets for 119 yards. His 119 receiving yards were tied with rookie Puka Nacua for the most on the team.
The former second-round pick is an undersized wideout who has been viewed as more of a gadget player than an actual wide receiver since entering the NFL. Sean McVay did a fantastic job scheming up ways for him to excel, but Atwell also made the most of his opportunities in Week 1 versus the Seahawks.
Atwell will look to strengthen his rapport with Stafford even more in a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
