Will ’22 be the year of Tutu?
The way things are trending, Atwell could be in for a much better season than the one he had as a rookie in 2021. He’s been one of the standouts of training camp so far, earning praise from the likes of Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford along the way. Even special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis sees improvement from Atwell as a punt returner.
The Rams’ second-round pick in 2021 has gotten plenty of opportunities with the first-team offense in training camp with Van Jefferson out, and he’s taking full advantage. It seems like every day Atwell is making catches on deep balls for big gains, a sign that the Rams have found a role for the speedster.
After making two great grabs in practice Monday, McVay shared his thoughts on why Atwell has improved so much.
“I think he’s done the right kind of things. I think he’s listening to his coaching from Coach Yarber, Coach Olson. Done a really good job and he’s capable of it too. I think some of it, too, is just the opportunity. So been really pleased with the approach that he’s taken going into Year 2. It’s one thing to do it in practice, it’s another thing to do it in situations that really count. So, want to see this stuff continue to translate, but I think he can draw some confidence being able to make these plays in some game-like settings.”
Most of the Rams’ starters don’t play in the preseason, but Atwell isn’t yet on that level. After playing just eight games as a rookie and getting very few opportunities on offense, McVay feels it’s best to have Atwell play in the preseason to gain some experience before the regular season begins.
That’s not a slight on the receiver, but it’s more about the coaching staff wanting to give him even more chances to prove this camp breakout hasn’t been a fluke. McVay sees big things for Atwell this year, expecting him to have a role and contribute in a “big way.”
“I think we’ll continue to work through that, but he’s a guy that hasn’t had a lot of game experience and so, different than some of those guys, while we do expect him to be able to have a role and contribute in a big way, he still is a young player that probably falls in line with playing in the preseason,” McVay said.
