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Analytics: Tutu Atwell is key to Rams’ passing offense
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- Analytics: Tutu Atwell is key to Rams’ passing offense
Tutu Atwell was inactive during the L.A. Rams' Week 6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but Matthew Stafford may need him to be on the field more often if Sean McVay wants the offense to become more consistent from drive to drive. Atwell's brief appearances this season have coincided with a great EPA per play for the Rams' offense, according to Sumer Sports, so should McVay make sure the veteran receiver is on the field next week?
With Davante Adams suffering an injury late in the loss, the door is open for Atwell to earn a significantly larger role in McVay's offense against the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
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Or is it toolittle, toolate?
The Rams have struggled to find consistency throughout their 2026 campaign, and getting Atwell more involved would provide a much-needed spark. While Puka Nacua and Adams have commanded much of the attention in the passing game, Atwell possesses the speed and downfield ability to stretch opposing defenses in ways that can create opportunities for the entire offense.
Atwell's biggest value comes from his ability to threaten defenses vertically. His speed can force opposing cornerbacks to respect the deep ball, potentially opening up underneath routes for Nacua, Adams when healthy, and the Rams' tight ends. Los Angeles needs to find more ways to manufacture explosive plays rather than relying on the same targets throughout every possession.
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Although he has only been targeted four times this season, Atwell is averaging a team-high 16.7 air yards per target according to Next Gen Stats. That's the time of stretching that Stafford and McVay really need for an offense with Nacua and Adams.
And the data clearly shows that the Rams offense is more explosive when Atwell is on the field. At the very least, Atwell should be on the field for every obvious 3rd down passing situation.
And yet for some reason he has only been active for three games and was inactive on Sunday as the Rams only scored 16 points against a Cardinals defense that is among the worst in the NFL this season.
Adams' late-game injury against Arizona makes that opportunity even more important. Depending on the severity of the injury and his availability for Week 7, Atwell could see an expanded snap count and more opportunities to establish himself as a reliable contributor. Even if Adams returns quickly, the Rams should consider giving Atwell a more consistent role.
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L.A. cannot afford to let their offensive personnel become predictable, particularly as they attempt to climb back into contention in the NFC playoff picture. Rotating Atwell into more offensive packages could give quarterback Matthew Stafford another weapon capable of changing the complexion of a drive with one play.
Atwell does not need to replace Adams' production entirely to make a difference. He simply needs more opportunities to use his speed and create separation. If the Rams want a more explosive and dependable offense, getting Atwell involved should be a priority moving forward.
