Sean McVay Explains Tutu Atwell’s Lack Of Involvement In Rams Offense

The wide receiver position was a big focus for the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason as they brought in Davante Adams and additionally re-signed Tutu Atwell to a one-year contract.

Atwell showed real progress last season after catching 42 passes for 562 yards in 17 games (five starts). He was expected to have a larger role in the offense this year but that hasn’t been the case so far.

Through three weeks, Atwell has just one catch for four yards on three targets.

“He’s doing what he can control,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said of Atwell’s lack of opportunities. “I think in a lot of instances, our job is to try to be able to win the game. There are a couple chances and some things that you try to call to get guys involved. Ultimately, our job is to play the game how it unfolds.

“I’ve been really impressed with just the way that he’s handled himself. Our job is to move the ball and score points. We moved the ball pretty well I thought offensively yesterday. There were a couple chances that we didn’t. Tutu did what he could control within the framework of what was asked of him yesterday.

“I love Tutu. I think a lot of stuff is made of just trying to maximize guys and there’s only one football. I appreciate the heck out of the way that he’s approached it. I have been pleased with some of the different things that we were able to do yesterday offensively and we’ll keep growing from it and I want to try to be able to figure out a way to get him involved.

“It still is about moving the ball, scoring points and those are the things that I’m the most interested in while still taking advantage of guy’s skill sets. I really have been appreciative of how he’s handled it.”

McVay previously admitted that he hasn’t done a good job with utilizing Atwell in recent years, so it’s interesting that nothing has really changed on that end.

To McVay’s credit, the Rams offense has been clicking on all cylinders to begin the season and he understandably does not want to change anything.

Atwell started the first two games, but it was Jordan Whittington who started alongside Adams and Puka Nacua against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Whittington is considered a better blocker, so it makes sense why the change was made.

Tutu Atwell prioritized re-signing with Rams

Despite having some ups and downs during his time with the Rams, Tutu Atwell said returning to the team was a top priority for him during offseason.