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Jared Goff gushes about Cam Akers’ breakout game

Rams head coach Sean McVay rode a dynamic running back to a Super Bowl appearance a few years ago, and now it seems he may have another one capable of gashing opposing defenses.

Cam Akers sliced and diced the Patriots throughout Thursday’s 24-3 blowout win, carrying the football 29 times for 171 yards — both career-highs. Akers had yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark during his career, as it seemed McVay was either stashing the young back to unleash late in the team’s 2020 campaign, or simply to let the rookie gain his confidence.

Well, good things come to those who wait, as it sure looks like Akers could be one of the final puzzle pieces needed to make a Super Bowl run this season. The Rams built their roster to go “all in” on winning a title this season, as they have major salary cap-related decisions to make in 2021, and they may be able to do exactly that.

A strong running game is vital, though, given Jared Goff’s propensity to turn the football over. Akers made Goff’s life easy on Thursday, though, as the Rams quarterback only had to attempt 25 passes. He had high praise for Akers after what appeared to be the rookie’s breakout game.

“Absolutely we knew that was in him,” Goff said, via Sporting News. “He’s shown sparks of that all year. I think you go all the way back to the Washington game, he broke one off late in the game for about 40 yards and ever since then just trying to bottle that up,” Goff told a news conference.

“I think tonight it was on full display for everyone to see what he can do. He’s a special talent, special player, humble kid, does a great job, works hard and deserves all this.”

Akers’ teammates clearly knew he had it in him, and now he’s showing the rest of the league.