The Vikings were looking for more efficiency behind Jones when they traded for Akers this year. Nine games have passed as Akers has supplanted Ty Chandler as the primary backup. Since Akers arrived, he has played 136 offensive snaps to Chandler’s 19.
Both players now have 51 carries on the season as Vikings. Akers has 211 yards (4.1), a touchdown and a 49% success rate, which is gaining at least 40% of the yards needed on first down, 60% on second down and 100% on third and fourth down. Chandler has 175 yards (3.4), no touchdowns and a 37.3% success rate.
Akers also has a receiving touchdown and stronger skills as a pass protector. What he doesn’t have is any memory of ever saying to himself that his playing days just might be over.
“Nah,” Akers says. “No way. Never. Not once.”