Tutu Atwell to return some punts in preseason debut vs. Chargers

[CoachAllred]

Cameron DaSilva

August 13, 2021 7:16 am PT


Fans have been anxiously awaiting the chance to see exactly what the Rams got in rookie receiver Tutu Atwell, who they selected in the second round of the draft this year. He missed the start of camp due to COVID-19 but returned in time for the team’s joint practice against the Cowboys.


He’ll be on the field Saturday night against the Chargers in the Rams’ preseason opener, though, which will be the first real look at the rookie speedster for fans and coaches. He’ll not only get opportunities on offense, but he’ll also get the chance to return some punts.

Sean McVay told reporters Thursday what he’s looking to see from Atwell against the Chargers.

“Just continued growth. Just understanding what’s being asked of him from the receiver position within the framework of whether it’s the run game, the pass game,” he said. “He’s doing a good job. I like the progression. (WRs coach) Eric Yarber always does a great job with those receivers. If he gets the ball in his hands, want to see him be able to make some plays and then he’ll get an opportunity to catch some punts as well.”

Atwell seems to be among the favorites to start the season as the Rams’ punt returner, but he’ll face some competition from others such as Landen Akers, Jeremiah Haydel and possibly Otis Anderson.

We don’t have much clarity on how that battle is going, but Saturday’s preseason opener will tell us a lot about the pecking order.

 

[So Ram]

Pretty much predicted this as well.
Haven’t been out there for special teams,but then again Tutu wasn’t there much in training camp either.
—He is not going to play as a WR much in 2021.There is not enough balls to pass out.
If he is going to make any kind of impact it will be as a PR.He has shown good hands & toughness.

The good news is Mcvay was asked about Copper Kupp being a PR guy.He looked at the reporter with Big Eyes & said no he won’t be returning punts.

It made me crazy of that move to start the season in 2020.Yeah - so that wasn’t a DUMB question.I know a couple things that have been. Just glad Mcvay keeps getting better as a HC.

N. Webster is gone & Nasbi from 2019.This should be a position that Tutu makes a career doing it. I’ve said a Donte Hall type player at the least.

 

[RAMSinLA]

Looking forward to watching these young guys play. I'm glad the Rams are being very careful with the starters and second string players.

 

[Ram65]

I want to see improvement in all phases of Special Teams. The FGs settle down last year. Hekker and coverage need to step up. So do the return teams.

OK get Tutu the football and let us see what he can do. Punt returning is wide open. May the best returner win.

Looking forward to Atwell running routes and some jet sweeps/bubble screens.

 

[jrry32]

If he muffs a punt, I'm going to throw a temper tantrum and rant about what a bust he is. If he scores a TD, I'm calling him the biggest steal in NFL history. You have been warned.

 

[Corbin]

If he muffs a punt, I'm going to throw a temper tantrum and rant about what a bust he is. If he scores a TD, I'm calling him the biggest steal in NFL history. You have been warned.

 

[Merlin]

Kind of impressed by our punt return blocking tonight. There seemed to be a lot of penalties and mistakes but there was a ton of space on multiple returns. If Atwell handles returns with blocking like that I imagine he'll do some really good things. Hell for that matter if Calais handles returns with blocking like that he'll do some really good things.

Liking what I've seen from our teams units thus far so this year's ST Coach hire looks like a good one.

 

[kurtfaulk]

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i'd have calais return both kickoffs and punts. he looked fantastic.

let tutu work on being a wr.

did anyone see tutu throwing a block on one of the runs by jones? man it looked funny.

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[So Ram]

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i'd have calais return both kickoffs and punts. he looked fantastic.

let tutu work on being a wr.

did anyone see tutu throwing a block on one of the runs by jones? man it looked funny.

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Did you see his catch. Tutu has burners. Adderly was the CB to tackle him.If it was a sub he might have taken to the house. -speed kills

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Atwell looked much faster than I expected. Nice surprise. He will put pressure on Ds.

 

[ottoman89]

Agree with y'all, Atwell looked much faster than expected. He also looks smaller than expected too. Held my breath when he got crunched on his first sideline catch.

 

[Psycho_X]

He is going to be fun to watch but I'll hold my breath every times I see a defender barreling down hill at him. He definitely has extra motive to not be tackled than other players lol. But holy shit those legs are like a cartoon blur when he gets going.

 

[Angry Ram]

Tutu gonna be a whole lot more fun than a boring ole center.