3 ways Cam Akers will help you forget Rams RB Todd Gurley in 2023

Chapter I: Cam Akers is a rookie that can run

The Rams paired Akers with their new running backs coach, Thomas Brown, and the duo proved to find plenty of common ground in their debut in the NFL. Akers wanted to become the best, and Brown was a great mentor and communicator for the young rusher. In their first season together, the pair combined with the likes of veteran running backs Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson Jr. to become one of the NFL’s most productive rushing attacks.

His debut in the NFL started quietly. By Thanksgiving Day, he only had 201 yards rushing and had yet to get into the endzone. That would change pretty quickly, as he found plenty of daylight against the San Francisco 49ers, putting up 84 yards in just nine carries, and scoring his first NFL touchdown. Like a great white shark, Akers had the taste of blood now, and he would continue to pound the rock into opposing defenses.

Committee approach succeeds

The Rams running back group rushed for 2,018 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. That was good enough to finish the 2020 NFL season as the 10th-ranked rushing offense, both in yards and in points scored. It was a solid effort from a trio of running backs, none of whom rushed for 700+ yards for the team.

But Akers was only getting started. In the NFL Playoffs, and with teammate RB Darrell Henderson injured, Cam Akers stepped up in two games to put on quite a show. He rushed 46 times for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He also became a solid receiving option for the LA Rams as well, hauling in all three passes that were thrown.

The future was very bright for Akers.