Los Angeles Chargers: Four keys to steal a victory in Denver

1. Disguising the run

We have said it before and we will say it again; Melvin Gordon was the biggest beneficiary of the Chargers promising draft class. Los Angeles brought in an elite level receiver, and two great linemen to shore up their passing game. Although first round pick Mike Williams is currently out with back problems, Gordon will benefit from the passing game.

With Keenan Allen healthy, the Chargers have an immensely deep passing core alongside Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman and Travis Benjamin. Second round pick Forrest Lamp is out for the season, but third round pick Dan Feeney shows promise and the team brought in former Denver Bronco Russell Okung.

Gordon, who had a breakout season this year, saw his production falter in some games. The Chargers struggled to get the run game going when opposing defenses could hone in on it. All of Gordon’s success came when Philip Rivers also did well. The only outlier was Gordon’s 111 yard game in Denver last season.

Los Angeles should attack the Broncos secondary early and push the tempo. Rivers is a master at reading defenses and the emphasis for early drives should be to pass the ball and pass it a lot. Whether it be 15-yard strikes or four-yard swing passes, the Chargers need to get it going early.

Then, in the midst of this, the Chargers can run the ball when the Broncos don’t expect it. Run play actions, screens, anything somewhat unusual to get the defense on their heels. Then, as the game progresses, sprinkle in these runs more and more. Gordon has the potential to put up a huge game and he can do just that if the passing game is working as well.