Tutu Atwell wasn’t getting many looks from Matthew Stafford in the first three games of the season, catching just one pass for 4 yards entering Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. But he kept preparing like his time would come, and it did in the biggest moment of the game.
With the score tied, Matthew Stafford hit Atwell with a deep ball that went for an 88-yard touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner. Stafford, who was mic’d up, sprinted down the field chasing after Atwell and celebrated with his receiver in the end zone.
The Rams shared a clip of Stafford’s celebration, screaming “I’m a (expletive) dog” as he ran 99 yards to meet Atwell on the other side of the field. It starts at the 3:40 mark in the video below.
“I told you to be ready! I told you!” he yelled to Atwell.
After the touchdown, Stafford went over to Atwell and told him again how proud he was, acknowledging that it’s not easy to be in and out of the lineup in a limited role. It was a really cool moment between the two of them.
“I really am proud of you, man. I know it ain’t easy. Not playing a lot (inaudible). You made the biggest damn play of the game. Happy for you,” Stafford said.
Atwell hasn’t had the jump in production and playing time that many were expecting him to have after he signed a $10 million contract in the offseason, but it’s plays like this one that show why the Rams wanted to bring him back.
His speed is a weapon, and Los Angeles just needs to find a way to utilize it more.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Mic’d up: Hear Matthew Stafford’s awesome message for Tutu Atwell after game-winning TD
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
