The Los Angeles Rams managed to get back into the win column with an ugly victory over the New York Giants in Week 4. Aside from being in the midst of one of their more favorable stretches of the 2020 NFL season, there is good reason to believe that they can kick things up a notch as they get back to full strength.
The Rams were dealing with notable absences on both sides of the ball after rookie running back Cam Akers and rookie safety Jordan Fuller were sidelined during the 17-9 win against the Giants. Fortunately, their surplus of young talent at each position was more than enough to secure a 3-1 record after the first quarter of play this season.
Los Angeles is looking to complete their sweep of the NFC East Division with a win on the road versus the Washington Football Team this Sunday. Head coach Sean McVay is optimistic that both Akers and Duller will be back in the mix, per Sarina Morales of the team’s website:
Good News @RamsNFL fans. McVay confirmed expect Jordan Fuller and Cam Akers to be back this week!
— Sarina (@sarina) October 6, 2020
This is certainly an encouraging update considering the Rams have struggled to put together a dominant performance since their 37-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. Perhaps the return of their two promising rookies could provide just the kind of spark they need.
Akers has been sidelined since he suffered the rib injury versus the Eagles. Despite entering the season as the starter, he is still the only running back to not enjoy a breakout performance so far.
Malcolm Brown managed to steal the show in the backfield with a two-touchdown performance over the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. Darrell Henderson then took over workhorse duties in Weeks 2 and 3 before going back to a timeshare with Brown against the Giants. It will be interesting to see how the pecking order shakes out with Akers back in the mix.
Meanwhile, Fuller established himself as an immediate playmaker in the secondary and this seemingly led to an increased role until a shoulder injury sidelined him versus the Buffalo Bills. While the Rams may have opted to take a cautious approach by sitting him out last week, it seems the defense will have its most promising, young talent back.
