The Los Angeles Rams have begun mandatory offseason training camps and are setting the stage for their rebuilding 2023 campaign. Even with Sean McVay and the Rams front office making it clear that building towards the future is the goal, the offense still figures to have several familiar faces.
One of whom is running back Cam Akers. At one time, Akers was considered to be one of the most exciting young running backs in all of football. However, he fell out of favor with McVay and the Rams, at one point being removed from games altogether while the team sought out a trade for him.
But when the 2022 trade deadline came and went and there were no suitors for Akers, he returned to the running back rotation and once again showed why excitement surrounded him.
Heading into 2023, McVay and the Rams are not being shy about Akers’ role in the offense.
“He’s really capitalized on a lot of the momentum he built up toward the latter part of the year. And he’s going to be a huge part of what we’re doing moving forward,” McVay said. “He’s had a great offseason. I love the rapport that he’s established with Ron Gould, our new running backs coach. Cam is going to be a central figure in this offense.
“I think he’s priming himself to have a great year. and also, I’ve loved what Kyren Williams has done in that running backs room. But Cam is a stud. He’s taking great care of himself physically, he’s in a good place mentally. Just continuing to mature and I’m really excited about what he’s going to do for us this year.”
A look at Akers’ season stats from 2022 leave much to be desired, but a closer look shows that in the last six games of the regular season, he was dominant. Akers received 104 carries for 512 yards and six touchdowns. Over a 17-game season, that pace translates to about 1,450 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.
At his best, Akers is a legitimate Pro Bowl level back. With lightning speed and slick footwork, he can be an important piece for a Rams offense that has an improved offensive line and the return of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.
McVay discusses wide receiver additions
The Rams also made some additions along the margins this offseason, including wide receivers Tyler Johnson and DeMarcus Robinson. McVay spoke about the impact they could have in Year 1 with L.A.
“Really, there’s been some things where, to be able to get through practice, and then both those guys are NFL receivers that have game experience,” McVay said.
“And so, both of those guys have played in games and to be able to get some of that depth…we haven’t had (WR) Cooper (Kupp) out practicing in these competitive settings, so when we get back to camp, he’ll be ready to go,” McVay added.
