Cam Akers Official Thread

[Ice]

I find this part of the take a little confusing. Akers routinely dominated the touches throughout the post season. Henderson not on the field, Henderson on the field, didn’t matter. He doesn’t look good by any means, and I agree with you that he is clearly not a RB1, but Mcvay uses him as a lead back and gives him a large majority of touches whenever he is healthy. They may go to a committee next year when everyone is healthy, but nothing I saw this post season indicated committee.

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

We are close sort of but the Rams run game has been bad all year. There are basically 24 teams better than them at running the football. They can't like this at all. The backs look average and the O line from a run blocking perspective looks to be below average.

We would all like nothing better than to have a legit 3 down back but in Today's NFL and the era of specialists the Rams really need a 3rd down back with speed and quickness for a legit change of pace. The Rams basically have 3 of the same type of RB. None of those backs differentiate their team.

Teams in general are getting away from the 3 down stud types for a lot of reasons. My point is the Rams have a glaring issue and a smart coach that will adapt.

I know I won't be going after any of these Rams RB's unless it is for depth purposes.

[Jfever]

I find this part of the take a little confusing. Akers routinely dominated the touches throughout the post season. Henderson not on the field, Henderson on the field, didn’t matter. He doesn’t look good by any means, and I agree with you that he is clearly not a RB1, but Mcvay uses him as a lead back and gives him a large majority of touches whenever he is healthy. They may go to a committee next year when everyone is healthy, but nothing I saw this post season indicated committee.

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

Maybe the fact that the super bowl was Henderson's first game back from his injury played into the touch distribution?

[BabyChark23]

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

We are close sort of but the Rams run game has been bad all year. There are basically 24 teams better than them at running the football. They can't like this at all. The backs look average and the O line from a run blocking perspective looks to be below average.

We would all like nothing better than to have a legit 3 down back but in Today's NFL and the era of specialists the Rams really need a 3rd down back with speed and quickness for a legit change of pace. The Rams basically have 3 of the same type of RB. None of those backs differentiate their team.

Teams in general are getting away from the 3 down stud types for a lot of reasons. My point is the Rams have a glaring issue and a smart coach that will adapt.

I know I won't be going after any of these Rams RB's unless it is for depth purposes.

That makes sense.

[MattDeezy]

I have never been much of a fan of Akers or Henderson for that matter. Both backs have desire and give effort is seems but at RB, that isn't enough especially if your line can't run block.

Don't see either as a legit long term RB1's so IMO it doesn't matter much where they are ranked. I would not want either as my RB2 and would hate it if Akers was my RB1. Akers still has believers so if I owned him I would try to find that owner and sell him.

The Rams have RBBC written all over them.

I find this part of the take a little confusing. Akers routinely dominated the touches throughout the post season. Henderson not on the field, Henderson on the field, didn’t matter. He doesn’t look good by any means, and I agree with you that he is clearly not a RB1, but Mcvay uses him as a lead back and gives him a large majority of touches whenever he is healthy. They may go to a committee next year when everyone is healthy, but nothing I saw this post season indicated committee.

Fyi Henderson was out for all of the post season aside from the SB so that should be a consideration here.

[BabyChark23]

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

Maybe the fact that the super bowl was Henderson's first game back from his injury played into the touch distribution?

True. It will be an interesting situation to monitor going into next year.

[Ruggenater]

I find this part of the take a little confusing. Akers routinely dominated the touches throughout the post season. Henderson not on the field, Henderson on the field, didn’t matter. He doesn’t look good by any means, and I agree with you that he is clearly not a RB1, but Mcvay uses him as a lead back and gives him a large majority of touches whenever he is healthy. They may go to a committee next year when everyone is healthy, but nothing I saw this post season indicated committee.

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

Henderson came into the postseason injured. In the Super Bowl, where he was at least billed as being back 100%, he seemed to be getting most of the 3rd down snaps (based on my perception watching the game—haven’t looked at the play-by-play or snap distributions yet), as well as a handful of carries. That third down work is critical to being a high end RB1 as many are hoping for.

[FantasyFreak]

I have to admit akers has looked awful this post season after his return. Lot of good run defenses and it is so soon after his injury, honestly the rams backfield looked terrible all post season regardless of who was playing at rb.

Wish he looked better so I could sell but honestly all you can do is hold at this point. I do think a full off season of rehab and workouts will help akers but not sure he'll ever reach the hype he had last off season.

Not sure rehab is going to be done. It's healed. He was given clearance for a fully healed achilles, or he wouldn't be out there. Work outs and all that, sure, but his achilles rehab is done, as far as I know. Once you have clearance to play on something like that, they are saying it's good to go. He wouldn't be out there on a half healed, or 75 percent healed achilles. That's part of the concern. As far as strength and conditioning on his overall body, sure he can try and improve that, but as for the achilles, I don't think there's much he can do for that now.

[FantasyFreak]

Not confusing to me. The Rams are long in the tooth in their O line and Akers isn't very good between the tackles. They lack team speed at RB and this will/should be addressed. The Rams probably averaged less than 2 yards per carry in that game. Akers didn't sniff 4 YPC the entire playoffs. He wasn't effective at all against better teams.

The definition of insanity comes into play some and coaches do adapt. The Rams had 2 running plays that mattered the entire game. 1 by Akers late and one jet sweep by Kupp in their 23 rushing attempts. Akers had 13 attempts.

The Rams were extremely fortunate that their D Line was 5X better than the Bengals O line or they would have been blown out yesterday. Even against that dominate D Line the Bengals could actually run the ball.

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

Henderson came into the postseason injured. In the Super Bowl, where he was at least billed as being back 100%, he seemed to be getting most of the 3rd down snaps (based on my perception watching the game—haven’t looked at the play-by-play or snap distributions yet), as well as a handful of carries. That third down work is critical to being a high end RB1 as many are hoping for.

Yeah, I don't see how people can think Akers will be a high end RB1 at this point, unless a bunch of things drastically change. This year might have been the year, pre-injury. I still thought he was going too high last off season, but I can see the narrative back then being a lot more realistic than a top 5 next season. It sucks, but players miss windows due to injury all the time, and then never get another one that's as good again, unfortunately. Might be the same for Dobbins/ETN too. Jags with a new coach who likes RBBC, isn't the guy that drafted him, and Dobbins was primed for a big year seeing more receiving work, and looked to take that 1A role in the offense that he didn't see much of year 1. Rams aren't a team I want to invest in next year, in any capacity. I have Kupp in 1 league, and Woods in another, but I just can't see investing in anyone in that offense at their current price point as being a wise investment, based on their OL, cap situation, WR situation, RB situaton.

[MattDeezy]

Ok, so are you saying that because the run game has been so bad this post season that the Rams will realize that and adapt by bringing in new blood which will operate in a committee?

I agree with you that the Rams run game was terrible, but the way they distributed touches seems to indicate they still like Akers as a lead back.

Henderson came into the postseason injured. In the Super Bowl, where he was at least billed as being back 100%, he seemed to be getting most of the 3rd down snaps (based on my perception watching the game—haven’t looked at the play-by-play or snap distributions yet), as well as a handful of carries. That third down work is critical to being a high end RB1 as many are hoping for.

Yeah, I don't see how people can think Akers will be a high end RB1 at this point, unless a bunch of things drastically change. This year might have been the year, pre-injury. I still thought he was going too high last off season, but I can see the narrative back then being a lot more realistic than a top 5 next season. It sucks, but players miss windows due to injury all the time, and then never get another one that's as good again, unfortunately. Might be the same for Dobbins/ETN too. Jags with a new coach who likes RBBC, isn't the guy that drafted him, and Dobbins was primed for a big year seeing more receiving work, and looked to take that 1A role in the offense that he didn't see much of year 1. Rams aren't a team I want to invest in next year, in any capacity. I have Kupp in 1 league, and Woods in another, but I just can't see investing in anyone in that offense at their current price point as being a wise investment, based on their OL, cap situation, WR situation, RB situaton.

For the sake of team in sig I hope this isn’t proven to be true.

[FantasyFreak]

Henderson came into the postseason injured. In the Super Bowl, where he was at least billed as being back 100%, he seemed to be getting most of the 3rd down snaps (based on my perception watching the game—haven’t looked at the play-by-play or snap distributions yet), as well as a handful of carries. That third down work is critical to being a high end RB1 as many are hoping for.

Yeah, I don't see how people can think Akers will be a high end RB1 at this point, unless a bunch of things drastically change. This year might have been the year, pre-injury. I still thought he was going too high last off season, but I can see the narrative back then being a lot more realistic than a top 5 next season. It sucks, but players miss windows due to injury all the time, and then never get another one that's as good again, unfortunately. Might be the same for Dobbins/ETN too. Jags with a new coach who likes RBBC, isn't the guy that drafted him, and Dobbins was primed for a big year seeing more receiving work, and looked to take that 1A role in the offense that he didn't see much of year 1. Rams aren't a team I want to invest in next year, in any capacity. I have Kupp in 1 league, and Woods in another, but I just can't see investing in anyone in that offense at their current price point as being a wise investment, based on their OL, cap situation, WR situation, RB situaton.

For the sake of team in sig I hope this isn’t proven to be true.

I still firmly believe in Dobbins as a talent, more so than Akers. ACL's aren't necessarily as bad, and he did hurt it early, which is good. It's just a year lost in his prime, with it set up for him nicely as the pass catching back, and 1A runner. The Ravens threw to the RB more this year, Freeman had 34 catches, and that would have been Dobbins role. Not a PPR monster, but 34 grabs coupled with 1200 rushing yards and double digit total TD's that Dobbins was looking at would have been a very tidy finish, and it's just bad luck that he lost that season, like Akers. I'm more convinced on Dobbins returning to form off an ACL than Akers from the achilles, but time will tell. ETN there are so many question marks about, including that injury, which the following season hasn't boded well, historically, according to some doctors I've seen speak on it.

[MattDeezy]

Yeah, I don't see how people can think Akers will be a high end RB1 at this point, unless a bunch of things drastically change. This year might have been the year, pre-injury. I still thought he was going too high last off season, but I can see the narrative back then being a lot more realistic than a top 5 next season. It sucks, but players miss windows due to injury all the time, and then never get another one that's as good again, unfortunately. Might be the same for Dobbins/ETN too. Jags with a new coach who likes RBBC, isn't the guy that drafted him, and Dobbins was primed for a big year seeing more receiving work, and looked to take that 1A role in the offense that he didn't see much of year 1. Rams aren't a team I want to invest in next year, in any capacity. I have Kupp in 1 league, and Woods in another, but I just can't see investing in anyone in that offense at their current price point as being a wise investment, based on their OL, cap situation, WR situation, RB situaton.

For the sake of team in sig I hope this isn’t proven to be true.

I still firmly believe in Dobbins as a talent, more so than Akers. ACL's aren't necessarily as bad, and he did hurt it early, which is good. It's just a year lost in his prime, with it set up for him nicely as the pass catching back, and 1A runner. The Ravens threw to the RB more this year, Freeman had 34 catches, and that would have been Dobbins role. Not a PPR monster, but 34 grabs coupled with 1200 rushing yards and double digit total TD's that Dobbins was looking at would have been a very tidy finish, and it's just bad luck that he lost that season, like Akers. I'm more convinced on Dobbins returning to form off an ACL than Akers from the achilles, but time will tell. ETN there are so many question marks about, including that injury, which the following season hasn't boded well, historically, according to some doctors I've seen speak on it.

I appreciate this write-up thank you!

[FantasyFreak]

For the sake of team in sig I hope this isn’t proven to be true.

I still firmly believe in Dobbins as a talent, more so than Akers. ACL's aren't necessarily as bad, and he did hurt it early, which is good. It's just a year lost in his prime, with it set up for him nicely as the pass catching back, and 1A runner. The Ravens threw to the RB more this year, Freeman had 34 catches, and that would have been Dobbins role. Not a PPR monster, but 34 grabs coupled with 1200 rushing yards and double digit total TD's that Dobbins was looking at would have been a very tidy finish, and it's just bad luck that he lost that season, like Akers. I'm more convinced on Dobbins returning to form off an ACL than Akers from the achilles, but time will tell. ETN there are so many question marks about, including that injury, which the following season hasn't boded well, historically, according to some doctors I've seen speak on it.

I appreciate this write-up thank you!

No problem. Based on your avatar, you know Dougie has used RBBC to great effect before. TBH, Etienne isn't a 3 down bell cow for the NFL IMO. Just have to hope he secures that same type of role Dobbins had looked at. 1A runner and 3rd down back. ETN really developed as a receiver in college from his early years. If he can get 200 carries and 50 plus receptions, I think he can have a nice finish, if his explosiveness returns. He's not suited as an interior runner, though. Depending on what Doug wants to do, they may have a different style runner on early downs at times. I do think Doug will try and maximize ETN's skill set. That's essentially what RBBC is about. Putting the proper RB in at the proper times depending on their skill set. Efficiency and big plays should be what ETN's owners are looking for, not massive touch count.

[MattDeezy]

I still firmly believe in Dobbins as a talent, more so than Akers. ACL's aren't necessarily as bad, and he did hurt it early, which is good. It's just a year lost in his prime, with it set up for him nicely as the pass catching back, and 1A runner. The Ravens threw to the RB more this year, Freeman had 34 catches, and that would have been Dobbins role. Not a PPR monster, but 34 grabs coupled with 1200 rushing yards and double digit total TD's that Dobbins was looking at would have been a very tidy finish, and it's just bad luck that he lost that season, like Akers. I'm more convinced on Dobbins returning to form off an ACL than Akers from the achilles, but time will tell. ETN there are so many question marks about, including that injury, which the following season hasn't boded well, historically, according to some doctors I've seen speak on it.

I appreciate this write-up thank you!

No problem. Based on your avatar, you know Dougie has used RBBC to great effect before. TBH, Etienne isn't a 3 down bell cow for the NFL IMO. Just have to hope he secures that same type of role Dobbins had looked at. 1A runner and 3rd down back. ETN really developed as a receiver in college from his early years. If he can get 200 carries and 50 plus receptions, I think he can have a nice finish, if his explosiveness returns. He's not suited as an interior runner, though. Depending on what Doug wants to do, they may have a different style runner on early downs at times. I do think Doug will try and maximize ETN's skill set. That's essentially what RBBC is about. Putting the proper RB in at the proper times depending on their skill set. Efficiency and big plays should be what ETN's owners are looking for, not massive touch count.

I agree with a lot of this, however, just to provide additional perspective:

1. I don’t think Doug had a back as talented as ETN for the majority, if not all, of his time in Philly. Not saying his system will drastically change from the past, I’m curious what he does with a back as talented as ETN.

2. His RPO style offense should surely help maximize ETN’s strong points.

3. I’m definitely not comparing this to Burrow and Chase, but I’m excited for ETN to be playing with his college QB and think that’s another positive development.

[FantasyFreak]

I appreciate this write-up thank you!

No problem. Based on your avatar, you know Dougie has used RBBC to great effect before. TBH, Etienne isn't a 3 down bell cow for the NFL IMO. Just have to hope he secures that same type of role Dobbins had looked at. 1A runner and 3rd down back. ETN really developed as a receiver in college from his early years. If he can get 200 carries and 50 plus receptions, I think he can have a nice finish, if his explosiveness returns. He's not suited as an interior runner, though. Depending on what Doug wants to do, they may have a different style runner on early downs at times. I do think Doug will try and maximize ETN's skill set. That's essentially what RBBC is about. Putting the proper RB in at the proper times depending on their skill set. Efficiency and big plays should be what ETN's owners are looking for, not massive touch count.

I agree with a lot of this, however, just to provide additional perspective:

1. I don’t think Doug had a back as talented as ETN for the majority, if not all, of his time in Philly. Not saying his system will drastically change from the past, I’m curious what he does with a back as talented as ETN.

2. His RPO style offense should surely help maximize ETN’s strong points.

3. I’m definitely not comparing this to Burrow and Chase, but I’m excited for ETN to be playing with his college QB and think that’s another positive development.

No doubt ETN is talented, however I don't think he's cut out for an interior runner in the NFL. His gait is much to long, IMO. Having Lawrence is indeed helpful, for trust on checkdowns, but definitely not the same thing as a QB/WR duo, and QB and RB duo.

[Pullo Vision]

So for the he anti-Akers fan club, where do you think he should properly be ranked in dynasty leagues?
KTC has him about 10, DLF has him about 15.
Are these fair rankings or is he being overvalued?

Akers now stands at rb18 on KTC. Kamara/Walker/Dillon the three above, Aaron Jones/E Mitchell/D Montgomery the three below.

Despite speculation the last few pages, they didn't really fortify the RB corps. Michel walked and they drafted Kyren Williams. Akers and Henderson are top 2 on the depth chart.

Not only is he no longer valued too high, he might actually be a value now.