This season must feel eerily similar to last year for Tutu Atwell.
In 2023, he filled in admirably when Cooper Kupp was injured for the first four games of the season. During that span, he caught 22 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown, also rushing for 27 yards on two carries.
This season, in the four starts he made while Kupp (and Puka Nacua) was sidelined again, he caught 20 passes for 284 yards. Since Kupp and Nacua came back, however, Atwell has played just 35 total snaps and caught two passes for 35 yards on five targets in the last two games.
For whatever reason, Atwell can’t seem to break through as more than a backup and role player, but the numbers show he’s getting open.
According to Pro Football Focus, Atwell led the NFL in Week 9 in separation percentage, which “measures how often a receiver beats the coverage to get open rather than benefiting from a defense more focused on limiting yards after the catch or stopping them short of the first down.”
He got open on all eight of his opportunities, tied with Michael Pittman Jr. for the highest rate of Week 9.
Season-long, Atwell’s numbers are still very good. He ranks 23rd among all NFL players with a separation rate of 63.93%, meaning he’s getting open for Matthew Stafford almost two-thirds of the time. He’s just not getting the ball thrown his way anymore with Kupp and Nacua healthy.
It might be time for Sean McVay to reconsider Atwell’s role and give him more opportunities. The only Rams receiver creating separation at a higher rate is Demarcus Robinson, who’s 18th at 65.42%. By comparison, Kupp is much further down at 47.06%.
Atwell has the speed and agility to get open down the field and be more than just a deep threat.
The Rams’ wide receiver rotation is pretty deep now that everyone is healthy, but there are ways to get Atwell involved, and it could have a positive impact on the offense.
