Rams Plan Trade of Benched Cam Akers; Kyren Williams Wants 'Dominance' vs. 49ers
The Los Angeles Rams' dominant victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 surprised millions, but their next game against the San Francisco 49ers could be an entirely different story. ... with a controversial move just made on game day.
Millions were surprised by Los Angeles last week because they're expected to finish towards the bottom of the NFL this season due to their extremely young and inexperienced roster. Nevertheless, the 49ers have expectations to reach the Super Bowl (or close to it) due to the massive number of Pro Bowl-caliber talent on both sides of the ball.
Rams second-year running back Kyren Williams hasn't played the 49ers yet, but is well aware of how "big" the NFC West division rivalry is. ... and it just got bigger for him with the news that starter Cam Akers has been benched as a healthy scratch ... and is now on the trade block. (Again.)
Meanwhile Williams is all for the hype around the matchup behind him and is expecting his team to do the same.
"I know the Rams and the 49ers go way back," Williams told reporters after Thursday's practice. "There's a lot of history between the two teams and organizations, but it's just another game for us. We're going to exert our dominance and control the ball on offense."
The 49ers' defense is widely regarded among the best in the league due to their physicality up front and their pass coverage. Williams is also well aware of this and understands the challenges that San Francisco might bring.
"They cause a lot of havoc," Williams said. "They got (2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick) Bosa on the end and they got a lot of guys that can rush the quarterback. I just want to be stout up front and be able to help my offensive linemen when it's my turn. If we're able to control that defensive line up front, I think it's going to be a good game for us."
Like Rams receiver Puka Nacua, Williams was also a popular fantasy football waiver wire pickup after a very solid Week 1 performance: 15 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns. However, Williams is listed as the backup behind Cam Akers, who rushed for 22 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown.
Williams believes that he and Akers could work well as a one-two punch once again and that their speed and power compare to Lamborghinis. Nevertheless, Williams explained that his Lamborghini is "chasing improvement" and that ball control will help "assert their dominance" against the 49ers.
"Putting our hand in the dirt...(winning) time of possession and just being able to control the game in the way that we do is huge and critical for this upcoming week," Williams said.
The Rams will host the 49ers on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT on FOX.
