Rams fans have officially had it with this $10 million offensive mystery

The Los Angeles Rams offense is only just starting to find its rhythm after two games. The team had scored just 24 points in six NFL quarters before exploding for 23 points in the final two quarters against the Titans to push concerns aside... for now. What's concerning is that the commitments made by head coach Sean McVay seem to have been just words.

Despite repeatedly admitting to working veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell into this offense, the fifth-year veteran continues to wait for that magical someday. That seems to run against the thought process and motivation of spending $10 million for his one-year extension. But here we are after two games, and he has only been targeted twice with one reception for four yards.

Atwell is perfectly capable of being an explosive playmaker. And his skill set complements the more frequent use of a 12-personnel option in the offense this season. But as with so many other offensive strategies, he can only be productive if utilized. So far, that has not been the case.

Rams fans' unrest over Tutu Atwell's absence is reaching critical mass

There are valid reasons for Atwell's lack of production. Matthew Stafford's absence throughout the offseason has placed an urgency to optimize his chemistry with both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams over everything. Of 62 passes thrown, 41 have gone to the dynamic duo.

That has forced the other eight players who have been targeted to fight over the remaining 21 passes. Needless to say, Atwell's losing that battle with his lowly two targets. Some fans and sites are beginning to express their concerns over the situation.

There may be other reasons that have kept the swift receiver out of the offensive strategy. The offensive line has been unexpectedly inept in terms of pass blocking, forcing short and intermediate routes. And since the 25-year-old is at his most dangerous on time-consuming deep routes, the need to keep the quarterback upright may have eliminated deep routes from the arsenal.

It's tough to envision the vulnerability of the interior offensive linemen holding up well against a strong pass rush of the Eagles' defensive front, at least in terms of giving the absent receiver sufficient time to go deep. But if pass protection holds, Atwell is always ready to take the top off the D.

McVay's offense will likely be fine in the long term. But fans' unrest over the absence of their speediest guy is starting to boil over. How long before he begins to earn his hefty salary? Right now, it's anybody's guess.

As always, thanks for reading.

More Los Angeles Rams news and analysis