When it comes to NFL running backs, there are few names that have been hotter than Cam Akers and Rashaad Penny. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance on the field, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both players, their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately decide who comes out on top.
Cam Akers
Cam Akers was a standout running back at Florida State University before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. At FSU, Akers showed off his impressive combination of speed, power, and agility, rushing for over 1,000 yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
In his rookie season with the Rams, Akers showed promise, rushing for 625 yards and two touchdowns on just 145 carries. He also added 123 yards and a touchdown on 14 receptions. Akers’ ability to break tackles and make defenders miss was evident, as he averaged 2.9 yards after contact per attempt.
However, Akers did struggle with injuries during his rookie season, missing five games due to a rib injury and an ankle injury. Additionally, his pass-blocking skills were considered a weakness by some analysts, which could limit his playing time in certain situations.
Rashaad Penny
Rashaad Penny was a star running back at San Diego State University before being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In college, Penny put up massive numbers, rushing for over 2,200 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior season alone.
In his rookie season with the Seahawks, Penny showed flashes of brilliance, rushing for 419 yards and two touchdowns on just 85 carries. He also added nine receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. Penny’s combination of speed, power, and vision made him a threat every time he touched the ball.
However, Penny has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career, missing significant time in both 2019 and 2020 due to knee injuries. Additionally, he has been overshadowed by fellow Seahawks running back Chris Carson, who has been the team’s primary ball carrier for the past several seasons.
The Verdict
So, who is the better running back: Cam Akers or Rashaad Penny? While both players have shown immense talent on the field, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Akers has had more success at the NFL level so far. He has proven himself to be a capable ball carrier and a threat in the passing game, and his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss is elite.
That being said, Penny still has a lot of potential and could emerge as a star in the league if he can stay healthy and get more opportunities to showcase his skills. His speed and power make him a dangerous weapon in the open field, and his ability to make defenders miss is impressive.
Ultimately, it’s hard to say definitively who is the better running back between Akers and Penny. Both players have shown that they have the potential to be elite at the NFL level, and it will be interesting to see how their careers progress over the next few seasons.
Related video ofCam Akers or Rashaad Penny: Who is the Better Running Back?
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