Los Angeles Chargers AFC West Ranking: Running backs
By Jason Reed
2. Los Angeles Chargers
- Running back depth chart: Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson
What makes the Los Angeles Chargers running game so good is the dual-threat capability it has not only in the running game but in the passing game as well. The Chargers have always had at least one good receiving running back on the roster and this year is no different with Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson all being good receiving backs.
The Chargers’ running game was already one of the more talented running games in football last season and the team only got better by adding Justin Jackson in the seventh-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Granted, right now Jackson is nothing but promise, but before him are two solid backs that work nicely off each other.
Gordon is one of the best young running backs in the NFL right now yet never receives the love he deserves as he has played in Todd Gurley‘s shadow during his three-year NFL career. Last year, Gordon rushed for 1105 yards on 284 carries with eight touchdowns. Gordon also added 476 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns to the mix.
Austin Ekeler also has an impact in the running game and was a pleasant surprise for the Chargers last season. Ekeler carried the ball 47 times for 260 yards (5.5 yards per attempt) and added two rushing touchdowns. Ekeler also picked up 279 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
For a second-string running back, that is pretty good production out of Ekeler and he will continue to produce for LA next season. With Gordon, Ekeler and Jackson, the Los Angeles Chargers could have a lot of fun running the ball in 2018.