[theramswire.usatoday.com] Cam Akers ranks 2nd in this key rushing stat since Week 11

Cameron DaSilva
December 14, 2022 10:44 am PT
Expectations were high for Cam Akers coming into this season, even with Darrell Henderson Jr. lurking behind him on the depth chart. But when the season began, it was Akers who was the backup and Henderson operating as the No. 1 back in the offense.

It’s been an incredibly frustrating season for the entire offense, and Akers isn’t excluded from that. He’s struggled on the field and had a disagreement with the coaching staff, which led to him nearly getting traded before eventually returning to the team after a few weeks.


Even though he’s averaging just 3.3 yards per attempt this year, he’s shown improvement in recent weeks. According to Inside Edge, Akers is tied for second among all qualified running backs with an average of 2.3 yards after contact per carry since Week 11.

Up next, he gets a Packers defense that’s given up 1.9 yards after contact per carry since Week 11, which is tied for the third-worst rate in the NFL.

Is Cam Akers on the comeback train for the Rams?#RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/0Kk4SIHUAT

— Inside Edge NFL (@IE_NFL) December 14, 2022

Akers is still a below-average running back and ranks second-to-last in rush yards over expected (-76), according to Next Gen Stats, but it’s good to see him improving in the last month or so. In his last four games, he’s averaged 3.92 yards per carry with three touchdowns and 200 yards on 51 attempts.