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The start of Cam Akers' career with the Rams has been quite the roller coaster ride, to say the least.
He began on a low in 2020, averaging only 45.6 yards per game over his first eight games while sharing the load with Darrell Henderson. Whispers of a wasted day 2 draft pick were heard until, suddenly, in the final three games and two playoff games he averaged 97.8 yards per game, including a 131 yard performance against the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Rams fans were excited about this rise and what it might mean for 2021.
Then, Akers' career hit a sudden low as he tore his Achilles tendon, apparently ending his 2021 campaign before it had a chance to start.
But then... a sudden rise. Akers was available for the final game of the season and the playoffs! His work ethic and drive seemed to be stuff of legend, as he recovered from a severe injury in record time. And, though his stats were certainly pedestrian (and he had a couple of key fumbles against Tampa), he took the RB1 spot from Sony Michel as the Rams won their championship.
Again, confidence was high. Akers was expected to hit the ground running at 100% in 2022, over a year removed from his injury. Instead, he found himself playing second-fiddle to Henderson at the start of the season, and his production (32.2 yards per game over the first five) was minimal. Rams fans (and disappointed fantasy owners!) were rightfully concerned. Maybe Akers would never get back to his late rookie campaign form.
Not only did Akers production hit a low point... his reputation did as well. By the end of October, he found himself in the doghouse as a healthy scratch and was reportedly on the trade block (with some believing he'd be released if no partner could be found).
But that wasn't the end of the story. It was Henderson, rather than Akers, who was moved and, at the end of the year, Akers had another major surge, averaging 102.5 yards rushing (5.5 ypc) and 24.5 yards receiving over the final four games of the season.
So, once again, Akers is at the top of the RB depth chart. Behind him is Michel and two promising young players, Kyren Williams and Zach Evans.
How will this roller coaster end? Will Akers finally put together a complete season with a productivity level comparable to his late season performances in 2020 and 2022, or will he falter and be supplanted?
While this uncertainty is a bit disconcerting, at least the Rams don't have to worry about Akers' contract. He'll finish his rookie contract this year but, having missed most of 2021, he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year. So, if he finally breaks out, the Rams can easily keep him, and if he doesn't, they can let him go with no cap hit.
Buckle up...
He began on a low in 2020, averaging only 45.6 yards per game over his first eight games while sharing the load with Darrell Henderson. Whispers of a wasted day 2 draft pick were heard until, suddenly, in the final three games and two playoff games he averaged 97.8 yards per game, including a 131 yard performance against the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Rams fans were excited about this rise and what it might mean for 2021.
Then, Akers' career hit a sudden low as he tore his Achilles tendon, apparently ending his 2021 campaign before it had a chance to start.
But then... a sudden rise. Akers was available for the final game of the season and the playoffs! His work ethic and drive seemed to be stuff of legend, as he recovered from a severe injury in record time. And, though his stats were certainly pedestrian (and he had a couple of key fumbles against Tampa), he took the RB1 spot from Sony Michel as the Rams won their championship.
Again, confidence was high. Akers was expected to hit the ground running at 100% in 2022, over a year removed from his injury. Instead, he found himself playing second-fiddle to Henderson at the start of the season, and his production (32.2 yards per game over the first five) was minimal. Rams fans (and disappointed fantasy owners!) were rightfully concerned. Maybe Akers would never get back to his late rookie campaign form.
Not only did Akers production hit a low point... his reputation did as well. By the end of October, he found himself in the doghouse as a healthy scratch and was reportedly on the trade block (with some believing he'd be released if no partner could be found).
But that wasn't the end of the story. It was Henderson, rather than Akers, who was moved and, at the end of the year, Akers had another major surge, averaging 102.5 yards rushing (5.5 ypc) and 24.5 yards receiving over the final four games of the season.
So, once again, Akers is at the top of the RB depth chart. Behind him is Michel and two promising young players, Kyren Williams and Zach Evans.
How will this roller coaster end? Will Akers finally put together a complete season with a productivity level comparable to his late season performances in 2020 and 2022, or will he falter and be supplanted?
While this uncertainty is a bit disconcerting, at least the Rams don't have to worry about Akers' contract. He'll finish his rookie contract this year but, having missed most of 2021, he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year. So, if he finally breaks out, the Rams can easily keep him, and if he doesn't, they can let him go with no cap hit.
Buckle up...
