This article is about an NFL player’s comeback that has dramatically improved his team’s chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
Akers’ return has made it likely that the Rams will be able to compete as one of the best teams in football and reach their goal for this season, which would make them a surprise contender for next year.
The Rams are not guaranteed a win against Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday but they have gained some ground with Akers back at 100% health—a feat only two other players accomplished last week. The impact of Akers’ healthy coming back could make all the difference between going home early or making it to Santa Clara in February 2018.
The “rams super bowl appearances” is a piece of news that has been making the rounds in recent weeks. Cam Akers’s shocking return to football has massively boosted the Rams chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of questions going into the 2021 NFL Playoffs. In a 34-11 thrashing of Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, they made a forceful message. Even though it was a collective effort, Cam Akers’ performance stood out. Surprisingly, the second-year running back recovered from an Achilles injury. His good health is the shot in the arm that Los Angeles needed to make a Super Bowl run.
Cam Akers swiftly recovered from a torn Achilles tendon.
After a strong rookie season, the LA Rams had great hopes for Cam Akers in the 2021 NFL season. On 145 carries, the second-year running back carried for 625 yards and two scores in 2020.
In 2021, Akers looked to be on the verge of a significant breakthrough. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback just before training camp began, injuring his Achilles. For the squad, but particularly for the Florida State product, the injury was heartbreaking.
With Akers sidelined for the season, Sean McVay looked to Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel to fill the hole.
An Achilles tear is a serious injury that takes a long time to heal. Even if the Rams reached the playoffs in 2021, it looked doubtful that Akers would return. Miracles, on the other hand, do happen. The 22-year-old running back was activated off injured reserve less than six months after his injury.
McVay gradually reintroduced Akers to the lineup, allowing him to shine at the ideal moment. The stage was the wild-card game against the Arizona Cardinals, and Akers delivered. He rushed for 55 yards on 17 carries and grabbed one pass for 40 yards.
Despite the fact that Cam Akers did not hit pay dirt, he had a huge effect on the team’s overall performance.
The Rams’ second-year running back will be crucial to their Super Bowl hopes.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Cam Akers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals | Harry How/Getty Images
For the LA Rams, the game was never in question. From the first kickoff to the last whistle, they dominated. On both sides of the ball, LA had complete control of the game. The Rams’ offense benefited greatly from Cam Akers’ presence.
The 2020 second-round pick didn’t have a very impressive performance. Despite this, Akers outperformed expectations, especially given the injury he was coming back from. He also looked terrific doing it.
Any serious lower-body injury might end a running back’s season, if not his career. Akers battled his way back, demonstrating his desire and hard ethic. You’d never guess he tore his Achilles only months ago from seeing him play in the Wild Card Round. Akers was a ferocious runner who was swift and explosive.
The product of Jackson, Mississippi, shown glimpses of the greatness the organization anticipated from him in 2021.
Sean McVay’s team will now meet the reigning Super Bowl winners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the Divisional Round. Although the Buccaneers’ run defense is lauded, don’t expect the head coach to abandon the ground game.
Cam Akers is back, and LA will need to rely on him to relieve some of the strain on Matthew Stafford. The Rams will need to do more than just air the ball out to make it out of the NFC. A consistent run game would help the team make a deep postseason run.
Sean McVay’s system has the luxury of having a stable of running backs.
This season, qualifying RBs had the highest percentage of runs that went for 5+ yards.
Tony Pollard 43.1% Miles Sanders 42.3% Rhamondre Stevenson 40.6% Clyde Edwards-Helaire 40.3% Darrell Henderson 40.3% pic.twitter.com/Gqnij5Afln
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 11, 2022
The return of Cam Akers to the Los Angeles Rams has completely changed the team’s fortunes. He gives Sean McVay’s offense a distinct element that it lacked throughout the regular season.
Against the Cardinals, Matthew Stafford had a great game. Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. are both capable receivers. Los Angeles’ rushed assault, on the other hand, should not be overlooked.
During the regular season, the Rams ran for an average of 99 yards per game. Even still, this system relies heavily on the pass, with the ball being thrown more than 58 percent of the time.
With Akers back on the field, McVay may want to run the ball more, particularly in close games. The Rams’ backfield is almost full strength as well. It’s possible that Darrell Henderson may return this week, according to the team’s website. He’s been sidelined with an MCL injury since Week 16.
LA has a three-headed monster in the backfield with Akers, Henderson, and Sony Michel. Although Akers is the better back, all three have had their time in the spotlight.
The Rams will continue to throw the ball at a high rate. If the backfield is totally healthy, anticipate a greater dosage of the run. Having that kind of depth in the NFL playoffs may be quite beneficial.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
RELATED: In the Rams’ victory against the Cardinals, Odell Beckham Jr. earned $500,000 while making NFL playoff history.
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