LA Sports Hub
Fansided

NFL rumors: Three reasons Chargers won’t make playoffs

By Keith Rivas

Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants (13) and AFC running back Melvin Gordon of the San Diego Chargers (28) talk prior to the game at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants (13) and AFC running back Melvin Gordon of the San Diego Chargers (28) talk prior to the game at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball as Tennessee Titans defensive back Brice McCain (23) defends during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 43-35. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball as Tennessee Titans defensive back Brice McCain (23) defends during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 43-35. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Not enough of a run game

When you first picture the Chargers’ offense, the first thing that may come to mind is strength at the running game. Melvin Gordon has been great thus far with the team, but he’s going to need to be even more effective moving forward.

According to statistics compiled by ESPN, then-San Diego was ranked 26th overall in rushing offense. Behind them were the Broncos, Ravens, Giants, Lions, Rams, and Vikings (in that order).

It gives them slight confidence knowing they can out-run the Broncos mixed with the fact that Denver is a divisional foe. But that doesn’t do much to solve their lack of flow when they have the ball in their possession.

Their passing attack saved them tremendously in comparison, helping the Chargers be on the better side of overall offenses across the NFL. In the overall category, Los Angeles ranked 14th last season — just above the halfway mark.

Both Oakland and Kansas City aren’t afraid to run the ball at you. This means that in order to get anywhere near an AFC West crown or playoff berth, the Chargers are going to have to address their running struggles first and foremost.

Or else.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers