Tutu Atwell blew golden opportunity to earn larger role Rams need someone to seize

The Los Angeles Rams are struggling to find a true identity on offense. The team simply doesn't have a clue how to achieve a sustainable balance. And much to fans' chagrin, that is proving to be a fatal flaw.

Getting veteran receiver Tutu Atwell online would have done wonders to prevent both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams from burning out and suffering injuries. But when push came to shove, Atwell didn't show up in Week 9 against the Commanders. Meanwhile, Nacua injured his knee on the Rams' last offensive play of the game.

The Week 9 stage was set for some LA receiver to step up and justify a much larger role. Atwell was tops on the list. Unfortunately, he only hauled in two of five targets for a modest 16 yards. He let a third-down conversion hit him in the hands for a drop. That's not going to get it done.

That performance squelched the previous week's glimmer. Against the Chargers, Atwell had two catches for 52 yards, one of which was a 40-yard bomb that ignited the offense. But since converting three of four passes for 31 yards to open the season, Atwell has only caught four of his last nine targets. The would-be deep threat has only managed 7.56 yards per target in the past two games.

That's not going to scare any secondaries.

Rams foolishly painted themselves into midseason corner

They had nine games to develop the next wave of wide receivers. But it was easier to overwork two elite veterans, Adams and Nacua, than to take the riskier route of ensuring an offensive balance. Now that myopic strategy has exhausted their top playmakers, right when the team is entering the toughest stretch.

In 13 combined games, Adams and Nacua have 142 targets for 1,195 yards and eight touchdowns. Their teammates have amassed 195 targets for 1,192 yards and the same eight TDs. Other Rams wideouts have drawn just 40 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown.

Yikes.

Los Angeles drafted receiver CJ Daniels and tight end Max Klare in 2026. Matthew Stafford still hasn't thrown to them. The same team that opened the season with seven wide receivers is down to five. Adams is on injured reserve, and Xavier Smith was outright cut from the team.

If the Rams have any chance to make the postseason, younger receivers must step up. And for that to happen, LA has to be a bit more generous in handing out targets. If Atwell is not up to the challenge, target Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, or Daniels until someone proves capable of consistently catching the football.

With Adams out and Nacua hurt, the Rams no longer have the luxury of avoiding them.

As always, thanks for reading.

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