During Thursday night’s preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers did not have a particularly strong performance, finishing with zero yards in the game. But he also didn’t have many opportunities, playing only 18 percent of the team’s snaps and receiving just three carries.
Still, when discussing Akers’ performance and playing time, Rams head coach Sean McVay is placing most of the blame on Akers, saying the running back needs to “maximize his opportunities when he gets into the game,” according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.
Sean McVay said RB Cam Akers has to maximize his opportunities when he gets into the game.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) September 9, 2022
“No matter who you’re talking about, you want to see guys do the little things the right way, compete with and without the ball,” McVay said of Akers. “There were some instances where there were some positive things and some things that [Akers] can do better, but we want to see just an increased level of urgency and accountability snap in and snap out from him.”
However, the NFL world was not totally convinced of McVay’s explanation. The Rams’ coach took a lot of criticism for his words on Twitter, with several people pointing out that Akers can’t possibly “maximize his opportunities when he gets into the game” if he never actually gets into the game.
But only gets 3 carries… https://t.co/6P9xO7vvf6
— Michael Balko (@MichaelBalkoJr) September 9, 2022
He basically had me blocking for him. Not much hope https://t.co/Th0yDDrWLG
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) September 9, 2022
He wild for that https://t.co/0YgNMPMCVG
— Chester M. Pitts, II (@ChesterPitts) September 9, 2022
This was one of Akers three carries last night. Dare I say McVay is not the boy wonder genius of football we all made him out to be a few years ago? Akers has to maximize chances, but in order to do so he needs chances. pic.twitter.com/y15HaAko3K https://t.co/u5VcqXtQAq
— Greg Peterson (@GUnit_81) September 9, 2022
— Bruce Nolan (@BruceExclusive) September 9, 2022
Based on these comments, it will be intriguing to see how McVay utilizes Akers for the rest of the season.
