Sean McVay Reveals How Rams' Tutu Atwell Earned His Role

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay's comments about receiver Tutu Atwell directly align with the principles he identifies with as a coach.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has not been shy about giving opportunities to players who earn them, regardless of draft capital or prior production. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the offense, where running back Kyren Williams, along with receivers Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, have become large parts of the operation, seemingly out of left field.

The result has been a surprisingly effective start to the season. The Rams were unable to stick with the San Francisco 49ers and fell on Sunday, 30-23. In Week 1, however, they shocked the Seattle Seahawks, embarrassing them in the second half and showing quarterback Matthew Stafford can still sling it, even without superstar receiver Cooper Kupp.

McVay’s offense has been one of the most efficient in the league. Its 47.5% success rate ranks sixth in all of football, per rbsdm.com. This is in no small part subsequent to the receivers that have stepped up in Kupp’s absence.

Nacua has stolen the headlines with his record-breaking performances, but Atwell has played a disproportionate role in Los Angeles’ offense, especially compared to previous seasons. He caught 18 passes for 298 yards a year ago. Through two weeks, Atwell is up to 13 receptions and 196 yards. He’s already generated more first downs through the air than he had all of last season.

McVay spoke about Atwell’s growth on Thursday.

“What I appreciate about a lot of the guys on this team is that they just put the work in,” McVay said. “And then they’ve earned opportunities and really they allow us to be able to do certain things.”

Atwell’s grade from Pro Football Focus has jumped up to 77.2, behind only Nacua and Stafford on the Rams’ offense. His 5-9, 165-pound frame will likely hinder his performance as a blocker throughout his career, but McVay has found ways to give him snaps despite that deficiency.

“He’s a guy who can play all over the formation,” McVay continued. “He’s getting a bunch of different targets in a bunch of different locations and it’s not exclusive to the deep speed that he possesses.”

McVay’s attitude towards the receiver is one that clearly takes into account the strides Atwell has taken and the principles that he so frequently preaches. On a team with few solidified starters during camp, Atwell has earned every bit of this opportunity.

“I’m really happy for Tutu,” McVay concluded.

Atwell and the Rams can take their seemingly high-powered offense with them to Monday Night Football, where they’ll visit the Cincinnati Bengals in a rematch of Super Bowl LVI.