Hendo had a good camp and Akers showed up, played well, but didn't set the world on fire. We know that.
What we don't know is how each player responded to coaching, impacted morale of other players in meeting room, lockerrom, etc.
Hendo started one game in front of Akers, presumably as an object lesson from coach in addition to giving Hendo a chance to prove himself. The Bills were having none of what the Rams were offering up and... so much for that.
Coach runs RB position by committee next couple of games. Akers quits on team over "difference in philosophy" with coach, as it was spun.
Coach tries to trade Akers to other teams, all of whom read the tea leaves, coudn't get value. McVay keeps Akers subsequent to their apparently reaching a philosophical agreement or so it was spun. Behind the scenes I see the human relational genius of McVay doing - something - what, we'll never know. Presumably Akers got an eye-opening, personality-changing, dose of reality, served up in a way that brought out the best possible response from him.
Akers finishes the year well, shows up this year looking more muscled up both physically, and presumably, mentally. I look forward to seeing what he does against the Seahawks and 49ers, and what he can build on it from there.
Footnote: I have a grandson in his early teens who recently got a little uppity, tried to usurp parental authority, lost privileges, fast, and has since taken hold. He now treats his mother with respect and is given more responsibility coupled with concurring privilege. His parents (and grandpa) caught it early and it only took once.
