What’s wrong with LA Rams RB Cam Akers? Optimistic expectations

Comparing Marlon Mack to Cam Akers

One of the more heartbreaking stories in the NFL is that of NFL RB Marlon Mack. Mack is currently an NFL free agent running back who was once a star rusher for the Indianapolis Colts. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 210-pounds, he quickly earned a frequent starting role for the team, peaking at his 2019 performance when he carried the football 247 times for 1,091 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

Marlon Mack suffered an Achilles Tendon injury in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. Like the Rams, the Indianapolis Colts remained supportive of Mack through and after his injury. Unlike the Rams, the Colts had drafted a second running back, 5-foot-10 226-pound running back Jonathon Taylor. When Mack returned from his injury, he carried the football 28 times for 101 yards, 0 TDs, and 0 FUM. Taylor carried the football 332 times for 1811 yards, 18 touchdowns, and four fumbles.

Now, Taylor has the job of running the football for the Colts, and Mack is looking for a team to sign him up. But this is not a unique story. Rather, it’s the rule.

The question now is how can the LA Rams salvage a running component of the offense that started out of the gates with glaringly poor performance?