The Los Angeles Rams proved the outside world wrong when they marched up north to beat the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 on the road in Week 1.
The Rams were considered underdogs as they were without Cooper Kupp, who was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. However, Matthew Stafford had no problem moving the football as he looked much more agile and decisive in his first start since midway of the 2022 season.
Despite Kupp’s absence, the wide receiver room was able to step up and make plays when Los Angeles needed them most. Tutu Atwell took advantage of his opportunities as he turned in a career game where he recorded six receptions for 119 yards.
Atwell’s performance backs up the praise he was getting in training camp and Stafford discussed how his growth as helped him and the offense as a whole.
“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. 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.”
The third-year receiver received rave reviews in the offseason for his work to learn all the wideout nuances and it paid off against the Seahawks. As long as Kupp remains sidelined, Atwell should continue to see more work in the passing game along with Puka Nacua, Van Jefferson and Tyler Higbee.
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