Thursday, December 12, 2024

Cam Akers’ return leads to another inconsistent rushing output for Rams

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TAMPA, Fla. — The Rams didn’t waste time incorporating running back Cam Akers back into the offense after spending the past few weeks trying to trade him.

The Rams officially let bygones be bygones after putting Akers on the game-day roster 90 minutes before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Akers was one of four running backs activated by the Rams, including Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown and Ronnie Rivers.

The many options at running back might explain why the Rams had another inconsistent rushing attack during their 16-13 loss to the Buccaneers. Henderson was the team’s most productive running back, but he only received 12 carries and finished with 56 yards. Akers recorded five carries for three yards and the team finished with 68 total rushing yards.

Rams coach Sean McVay said changes need to occur to fix the offense, and one way of doing that might be to commit to one running back and allow him enough carries to find a rhythm.

Henderson had back-to-back runs of 11 and 23 yards to put the Rams at the Buccaneers’ 11-yard line. The Rams, however, called three consecutive pass plays and settled for a 26-yard field goal from kicker Matt Gay to extend their lead 10-6 with 9:14 to go in the third quarter. Perhaps committing to the run might have led to a touchdown on that red-zone drive. The Rams watched their small lead disappear after Tom Brady’s game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute of regulation.

Akers’ return didn’t help the Rams’ ground game in the first half after the offense only recorded 15 rushing yards heading into the locker room. Akers had to wait until the Rams’ third drive to see the field with Henderson and Brown splitting the snaps most of the first quarter.

Akers and McVay had a meeting to clear the air after the trade deadline this week and Akers was back at practice a day later. But a few weeks to cool off didn’t change the results on Sunday.

EIGHTH COMBO

Chandler Brewer got the start at right guard, giving the Rams their eighth offensive line combination in as many games this season. Brewer, a 2019 undrafted free agent, replaced Oday Aboushi for his first career start.

The Rams’ offensive line shuffled again for a bit after left tackle Alaric Jackson went into the blue medical tent because of a knee injury. Jackson was replaced by newcomer Ty Nsekhe for a few snaps before returning to the field.

Brewer was a surprise start after the offensive line finally found some stability with the line combination of Jackson, left guard Bobby Evans, center Brian Allen, Aboushi and right tackle Rob Havenstein.

The Rams’ interior linemen struggled to contain Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, who had two sacks and three quarterback hits on Matthew Stafford.

AIR WAGNER

Rams middle linebacker Bobby Wagner also contributed on special teams after he jumped over the line of scrimmage to block a 52-yard field-goal attempt from kicker Ryan Succop. But the Rams’ offense followed with a three-and-out drive that ended with Stafford recovering his own fumble.

WHAT BRADY SAID

Brady became the first player in NFL history to reach 100,000 career passing yards (regular season and postseason) during the fourth quarter.

“Yeah, it’s all about the wins, so it’s all about the win, man,” Brady said about the milestone. “I’ve never cared about (the records).”

Brady on the close victory to improve to 4-5: “We needed it. We needed it, and we got it. We fought until the end. Defense played great, we made some plays offensively. I know we left a few out there, but it’s a tough team.”

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