Rams ‘Cam Akers Returns Against Cardinals – Orange County Register
INGLEWOOD – The Rams ran back to Cam Akers instantly regretting his decision to taunt when he noticed the safety of the Arizona Cardinals Budda Baker still lying on his back and surrounded by medical coaches.
Unbeknownst to Akers Baker was briefly unconscious after the two had a helmet collision late in the third quarter of a wild card playoff game on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.
Akers used his right hand to lower Baker as he lay on his back with his arm stiff. Seconds later, Akers shook his head regretfully as the medical team removed Baker’s mask from his helmet and removed the stretcher.
“It was just a football game,” Akers told reporters after the Rams beat the Cardinals, 34-11, to advance to the split of the NFC playoffs. “Obviously nothing personal. I have the utmost respect for Budda and that team in general. Hope he is doing well. ”
Baker was moving his arms while lying on a stretcher, as players from both teams surrounded him to show support. Baker was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation of the concussion, the Cardinal announced. According to paramedics, he was alert and communicative and never lost sensation or movement.
Emotions hit Akers when he initially thought he had run 11 metres, then was called back to take a penalty. Perhaps no one felt worse than the Rams’ sophomore run when Baker was stretchered off the field. Akers also tweeted after the game to express support for Baker, a first-time two-team All-Pro.
Pray to Budda 🙏🏾. I don’t know he was injured after the game but I have nothing but respect for him.
– Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) January 18, 2022
Not long ago, Akers suffered a disturbing injury of his own. He’s not getting to play this match soon, but there he is putting the final touches on the Rams’ wild card victory over their tier opponent.
Akers tore his right Achilles tendon in July before training camp. The Rams’ top driver for the 2020 season is well aware of what he’s just achieved in a playoff.
“Fortunately, man,” Akers said after mining a total of 95 yards against the Cardinals. “It is possible to recover from such trauma, you know, five and a half months after surgery. No one has done that. Just to be able to make it into that category, the first player has to do it, feel good.”
Akers believes he is the first NFL player to watch the action game less than six months after tearing his Achilles tendon.
Some players are not like that on the pitch after suffering serious injuries and others need a whole year to get back in shape.
Akers just needed one game to show off his agility and speed when running through lanes. Akers had a 17-foot tackle, and also had a 40-meter catch on a trick pass from wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
“It was unbelievable,” Rams coach Sean McVay said of Akers. “I don’t think the stats tell the story of how good he looks. … Also, thoughts and prayers to Budda Baker. I have a lot of respect for him. I hope that he will be fine, but I think Cam is excellent. He’s done a great job and he’s just getting more and more confident. ”
Last week, the Akers made just five 3-yard runs and three 10-yard catches in the regular-season final against the San Francisco 49ers. The Akers took just one game to regain their spot as the team drew closer in the fourth half.
As a team, the Rams ran the ball 38 times in 140 yards, with Sony Michel winning 58 yards in 13 runs. The Rams relied on the running game in their third game against the Cardinals, as quarterback Matthew Stafford threw the ball only 17 times.
“I know it’s part of the game plan,” Akers said of getting more carry this week. “We will run the ball a lot, rely on the people running back a lot.”
https://www.ocregister.com/2022/01/17/rams-cam-akers-returns-to-form-against-cardinals/ Rams ‘Cam Akers Returns Against Cardinals – Orange County Register