7 winners and 5 losers in Rams 2nd consecutive win over tumbling 49ers

(4) - Winner: WR Tutu Atwell

Tuta Atwell is to the LA Rams wide receiver room what rookie Blake Corum appears to be to the running back room. Both were talented players who were selected with a valuable pick in their respective drafts. But when it came to the offense incorporating their talents, the urgency to do so seems to have garnered little interest.

I reluctantly point to the fact that when the Rams targeted former WR Brandin Cooks 117 times in 2018, he put up 1,204 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Now in his fourth NFL season, WR Tutu Atwell has only been targeted 111 times. And yet, he has hauled in 64 passes for 944 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Curiously, when the Rams suddenly pivot to incorporating Atwell into this offense, he delivers.

Could Atwell be as effective in this offense as Brandin Cooks? I don't know if we will ever know that answer. I would like to find out though.

So far in 2024, Atwell has caught seven of nine passes for 141 receiving yards. And from what we witnessed in Week 3, he is almost impossible to defend on deep routes if the team flips to a 12-personnel offensive formation. His presence ensures that the offense has a deep threat if defenses load eight defenders in the box. If not, the offense can simply run the ball against a light defensive box.

Atwell is a perfect WR option for a two tight-end package, Until defenses demonstrate the ability to stop him, the offense should continue to include Atwell as a major contributor.