Rams News: Sean McVay Still Believes Tutu Atwell Can Be ‘That Guy’
C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams offense could look even more potent in the 2022 season now that Matthew Stafford has a year under his belt.

Stafford was able to help lead the Rams to a Super Bowl championship in his first year, and he could look even better with a great receiving corps. Cooper Kupp will once again be the focal point of the offense, with new addition Allen Robinson serving as a great No. 2 option. There is also the possibility Odell Beckham Jr. re-signs with the team, while Van Jefferson is poised to assume a bigger role in his third year.

Lost in the shuffle is Tutu Atwell, who Los Angeles spent a second-round pick on in 2021. Atwell’s rookie season was cut short due to injury, but head coach Sean McVay praised him for how he has looked in the offseason so far, via Connor Zimmerlee of Sports Illustrated:

“When you look at it, Tutu Atwell’s a guy that got injured. I think he’s looked really good this offseason program up to this point,” McVay said.

Atwell has a lot of ground to make up to justify the team’s investment, but McVay believes he can still be an effective player for them:

“I still believe Tutu can be that guy,” McVay said. “By no means is the book written on Tutu Atwell. He had the shoulder injury. He’s looked really good. He’s done a great job of responding the right way.”

Along with Jacob Harris, who also saw his rookie campaign cut short, Atwell has a chance to make an impact with the Rams assuming he is able to stay healthy. Atwell possesses blazing speed and would be a viable downfield option in four-receiver sets, so perhaps that is something McVay toys around with in the upcoming year.

Atwell also served as a returner for the Rams early in the season, so it will be interesting to see if that develops into a competition between him and Brandon Powell this offseason.