3 reasons why LA Rams rushing offense is concerning for 2022

Reason I: Can Cam Ram at 100 percent?

We know that running back Cam Akers came back from an Achilles injury in record time. And it was that back in time for the playoffs that became such an uplifting emotional landmark for the Rams’ playoff run.  But after witnessing his production in those four games, it’s only logical to ask the question: How far back has he come?

From his playoff production, perhaps not far enough. From the moment he stepped back onto the football field, Cam Akers rushed 72 times for 175 yards and 0 touchdowns, good for an average of just 2.43 yards per rush. That is nearly two yards less per run from his 2021 average, and 50 percent of his postseason average.

While I can’t rule out some of that struggle is the way that the LA Rams swapped out running backs in the midst of their playoff run, simply benching Michel and starting Akers, the entire event has left me with far more questions about the health of the Rams ground game than I care for right now.

LA Rams running game may be a work-in-progress

Right now, the projection for the Rams’ rushing offense is questionable enough for me to believe that the LA Rams will be looking to reinforce the rusher ranks with a rookie running back from the 2022 NFL Draft. No LA Rams current running back had rushed for over 700 yards last year. In fact, the loss of Sony Michel places the entire group at 842 yards for the season. No running back ran for more than 90 yards in a game. No running back played more than 12 games last season.

The LA Rams are not done restocking the roster, and the front office could have solutions in mind and be ready to execute during or after the draft. But one of the key items that the LA Rams believed would help the offense and new quarterback Matthew Stafford’s transition to the game plan was the fact that the running game would be able to take much of the burden off Stafford’s shoulders. Is this a case of better late than never? Or have the LA Rams completely abandoned the idea?