5 surprise LA Rams players key to TNF win over Patriots

RB Akers

Rookie running back Cam Akers may not be atop many lists of key players for the Rams to beat the New England Patriots, but that is what makes him so very very dangerous. Right now, Akers has the feel of a player who is about to kick down the barn door. And with his three-game scoring streak, he is starting to win over the trust of players and coaches alike.

That’s a positive sign for any young player on the Rams roster.

Ram Akers has a ring to it. Cam Akers has been on the rise in the Rams offense after the bye week. And that rise will continue in this game. One of the struggles for the LA Rams against the San Francisco 49ers is that the 49ers seem to be built to stop this Rams offense. But that 49ers defense never shut down Akers running. He simply had too few opportunities to change either games’ outcomes.

Here comes Cam

Cam Akers began to rotate into the Rams offense in the Miami Dolphins game. Each week, the LA Rams have been giving him opportunities, and the investment has paid off. He scored on a pass play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that helped the LA Rams beat Tom Brady by a score of 27-24.  He rushed for 84 yards and scored a touchdown in the LA Rams loss to the San Franciso 49ers. Finally, the rushed for 72 yards and scored a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.

The past three games has become the version of Akers that many thought would step onto the field in game one. Not a flashy running back by most accounts. He relies upon his blockers and they rely upon him. He is the epitome of this Rams offense. Deceptive, efficient, and getting stronger all the time.

Akers will not splash 20 yard runs in this game. He may grind six carries for just 20 yards. But he gets stronger as the game goes on, and he draws closer to the end zone. He only needs one burst run to change the momentum in the game. He needs to put up a season high game against the defensive genius of Bill Belichick. And I believe that he will.