THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Contributing to a running back committee and slowed by a freak injury, it took Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers deep into his rookie season to break out.
Akers took handoff after handoff, 29 in total, as he thrashed through the New England Patriots' defense for 171 yards in front of a prime-time television audience in Week 14 last season.
It was the beginning of a standout two-month stretch that saw Akers average more than 92 yards per game and led to Rams coach Sean McVay's postseason declaration that Akers was an every-down back who could make an impact in the passing game and be featured.