Expect Cam Akers to Thrive for Rams vs. Overrated Bucs' Rush Defense
By Reed Wallach
Cam Akers return from a torn Achilles tendon in training camp sounds like fiction.
After underdoing surgery on July 20th it was expected that the projected No. 1 running back for the Los Angeles Rams would be out for the year. However, he was activated in Week 18 for the Rams and led the RB group in snaps in the team's Wild Card win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Akers was fantastic in the victory on Monday night, rushing for 55 yards on 17 carries and hauling in this trick play from Odell Beckham Jr.
?TRICKY RAMS!!!? Odell Beckham ➡️ Cam Akers for 40 yards! ?? pic.twitter.com/ykzI7qxNLz
— ✯✯✯✯✯ (@FTB_Vids_YT) January 18, 2022
In just his second season, Akers has proven to be a medical marvel and a playoff gamer.
Cam Akers has played in three career playoff games. In those games he's gone for:
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) January 18, 2022
176 yards, 1 TD
96 yards, 1 TD, one 2pt conversion
95 yards*
*Six months removed from torn Achilles.
What a special, special talent. Huge player who steps up in the most important times. Unreal.
The Florida State product is going to be massive against a floundering Buccaneers defense. The Rams are currently 2.5-point underdogs (-105) with a total of 49 at WynnBET Sportsbook. Can Akers help propel the Rams to an upset?
Tampa Bay is 14th in defensive EPA/Rush and success rate, per RBSDM. While the team's defensive line has received a ton of credit this season, it has been just average over the second half of the season.
Akers clearly unlocks a different level of the Rams running back that has leaned on the likes of Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson Jr. at different points this season. The second year pro has game breaking speed as a pass catcher and taking hand offs from Matthew Stafford.
Let's see if he can keep his upward trajectory from his devastating preseason injury on Sunday against Tampa Bay.