Rams' Matthew Stafford Praises 'Master Of Offense' Tutu Atwell
Even as quarterback Matthew Stafford connected repeatedly with receiver Cooper Kupp on what turned out to be the game-winning drive in Super Bowl LVI, it was clear that the Los Angeles Rams offense was too dependent on their All-Pro wideout.
That became especially apparent in 2022, when a high ankle sprain limited Kupp to just nine games during what turned out to be a disastrous 5-12 season for the Rams.
So while it's not ideal that Kupp is once again sidelined -- currently out with a hamstring injury -- it is a reminder to the Rams how important it is that other receivers step up. And third-year receiver Tutu Atwell has looked the part so far in Training Camp, according to quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“Yeah, he’s doing a great job," Stafford said. The best thing that he's doing now is just his master of the offense. He knows exactly where he fits in at all three positions at receiver, which is tough to do, and he's done a really good job of it… All the physical tools have always been there and I think he's doing a great job of making plays when he is getting the opportunities and it's been fun to work with him.”
A second-round pick out of Louisville, Atwell didn't record a catch in the eight games that he played during his rookie season. Across 13 games in 2022 -- four of which were starts -- Atwell had 18 catches for 298 yards, averaging 16.6 yards per receptions. That type of game-breaking ability would be nice to harness on a more consistent basis, even if Kupp returns to the All-World level he played at in 2021.
In addition to Atwell, new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said this week that the Rams are "really, really pleased" with where rookie Puka Nacua is. The fifth-round pick was a valuable weapon for BYU both as a receiver and a rusher over his final two collegiate seasons.
While Van Jefferson probably offers the most realistic option to emerge as a No. 2 receiver for the Rams, they would certainly benefit from both Atwell and Nacua making an impact this season.
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