strong
Footballguy
I believe McVay just doesn’t trust Henderson as a lead back for some reason. No idea why but it certainly looks that way. The Rams made a point after the draft about Akers being a guy “who can do everything and grow into an every down back”. I think that is what they envisioned for him when they drafted him and now he’s finally healthy and they finally trust him in pass pro and other aspects to let him take the lead.
it definitely does look that way. henderson's highest snaps share is 56%.
as to why that is, i would look back at henderson's prospect profile. he profiled as a change of pace back. he is also a bit light at 208 pounds and, i know it might not be objective, but for my money, he doesn't create nearly as well as akers. he hits the hole hard, no doubt, but i haven't see many instances of him setting things up on the next level or breaking tackles.
correct me if i'm wrong, but akers already has the 3 longest runs of the rams season with a much lighter workload, right? considering henderson's speed, that is probably telling.
henderson has had some nice games but i think it's pretty rational for mcvay to limit his touches and prefer akers when it comes to a heavy load.