Rams’ Mike LaFleur Impressed by ‘Big Boy’ Cam Akers
Usually, when you're talking about a running back being a "big boy" in Training Camp, it's not meant as a compliment. But Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers appears to be turning heads with how much bigger he looks, even since OTAs.
New offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was asked this week what he's seen from Akers so far in camp and glowed about the fourth-year running back.
“Well, he is a big boy and whatever he did over these last 40 days, I want that diet and I want that workout program," LaFleur said. "Because he came in and he had his tank top on that first day I was like, man, and he always looked good. I mean, he's a guy that when you put the pads on, that's when you really feel him. He's taking every single day, every single meeting, every single practice extremely professional, extremely serious, but this guy wants to put the pads on and I know he's ready to go.”
A torn right Achilles turned 2021 into a lost year for Akers, who had been a popular breakout candidate after averaging 4.3 yards per carry in his rookie season. Akers finally regained that form late in the 2022 season, rushing for 345 yards over the final three games, a rare bright spot in what was an otherwise disastrous campaign for Sean McVay's squad.
One way that McVay and LaFleur -- formerly the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets -- can limit pressure on quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp is to improve a running game that finished 27th in total rushing yards (1,661) a season ago. Sony Michel is back with the Rams after spending the 2022 season with the Chargers, but obviously, Akers will be at the forefront of Los Angeles' rushing attack.
What will be interesting to monitor is whether a productive season from Akers would lead to the Rams offering him a long-term contract, rather than allowing him to reach free agency in the offseason. Beyond the issues that all running backs are having trying to get fair compensation right now, it wasn't long ago that he appeared likely to be traded by the Rams. Are things in a good enough place between the two sides that they would think about extending their relationship beyond his rookie contract?
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