The list of issues the New England Patriots had against the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday is a long one, and stopping the run is right up there near the top: the Patriots allowed their opponent to gain 187 yards on 35 carries, with the lion’s share being produced by running back Cam Akers.
Akers registered 171 yards on 29 carries during his team’s 24-3 victory. As a result of his impressive outing, the rookie has now earned the NFC Offensive Player of the Week trophy — the first time in his young career that he was recognized for one of his performances.
Akers is not the first opponent to win a Player of the Week trophy versus the Patriots in 2020.
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus earned one of the awards after a Week 6 performance in New England that saw him kick six field goals and account for all of his team’s point in an 18-12 victory. Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, meanwhile, completed 28 of 37 pass attempts for 344 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Patriots in Week 11 and subsequently was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Week.
New England, meanwhile, has two players earn the trophy so far this season: Nick Folk won the special teams award in Weeks 9 and 12 after making game-winning field goals from 50+ yards both times; Gunner Olszewski was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his impressive game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13.