Saints reporters saying what Rams fans already knew about RB Cam Akers

Ah yes, it's time for wipe-the-slate clean optimism of a new NFL season to the Los Angeles Rams. This is that time of year when former Rams players find microphones and journalists with keyboards or even the archaic means of pencil and paper. It's the time when all NFL players are in the best shape of their lives, are as passionate about professional football as ever, and are eager to prove to a new fanbase why their former team made such a huge mistake by not keeping them around.

And Rams fans know it already, because they've heard the same tales from and about that player in the past.

I don't believe that anyone doubted young running back Cam Akers's potential when he was drafted by the Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft. Nor do I see any fans trying to make the case that the team did not give him ample opportunity to prove himself.

Unlike so many rookies who arrive with hopes to contribute to the offense but fail to see the football field, rookie running back Cam Akers was given the green light to show up in his first NFL season. That first season was very promising, as he managed to gain 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries. But a severe Achilles Tendon injury derailed nearly his entire 2021 NFL season.

He tried to return in 2022 and did show remarkable resiliency for a running back trying to reclaim his post-injury form, but he became disgruntled with the concept of sharing his workload with teammates. Ultimately, the Rams found it necessary to trade him after he complained about his role in both 2022 and 2023. He has never gained more than 300 rushing yards for a single NFL team since.

He has played for the Minnesota Vikings (on two separate occasions) and the Houston Texans, but has never seemed to meet or exceed expectations. Now he is taking a new swing after trying out and signing with the New Orleans Saints, and is committing to be that guy in their offense.

And as he introduces himself to the fans of his new team, he is checking all the boxes:
Hungry? Check.
Passionate? Check
No wear and tear? Check
A brand new player? Check

It's not as though Cam Akers is showing up for his first NFL training camp. This is his sixth NFL season with his fourth NFL team, so he is a tried-and-true seasoned veteran at this stuff. And for hopeful Saints fans, he knows that even showing up well in shorts and t-shirts can create the kind of positive buzz that can carry over into the NFL season.

So, he's giving the fans what they want.

But the numbers don't lie. He has been in the NFL, has rushed for a total of 2,025 yards, and has scored 10 touchdowns. As a receiver, he has hauled in 52 receptions for 388 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

I'm not saying that Cam Akers cannot be a productive running back for the New Orleans Saints. I'm here to point out that he has had the opportunity to do so before with the Los Angeles Rams. He is now trying to earn a roster spot with the Saints. I'll leave the connect-the-dots work up to you.

As always, thanks for reading.

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