Los Angeles Chargers: Four keys to success for the 2018 season

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers
(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers

3. Get Melvin Gordon involved in the offense

Melvin Gordon is one of the most talented young running backs in the NFL but often gets overshadowed by the deep crop of running backs. Gordon has played in the shadow of Todd Gurley his entire career and the new wave of backs, which includes sensational players such as Alvin Kamara, leaves Gordon in the background when it comes to great NFL running backs.

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Regardless of his reputation, Gordon still has immense talent and showcases that in a Chargers offense that at times can be pass-heavy. However, next season, perhaps the Chargers should rely on Gordon more because the games in which they did it opened the pass and led to results as a team.

Gordon had 17 or more attempts in 12 of the Chargers’ 16 games last season. In those games, the Chargers went 9-3. In the eight games in which Gordon had at least 19 carries the team went 7-1. When Gordon ran the ball 20 or more times the Chargers were 5-0.

Granted, this could be a byproduct of the Chargers already winning those games and simply handing the ball off to Gordon to kill the clock. Regardless, though, the results are evident that when Gordon runs a lot, the Chargers win. In every single game in which he had 16 or fewer attempts (four per quarter), the Chargers went 0-4.

Get Melvin Gordon involved. Not only does he open up other routes for the offense to score, he is pretty darn good himself at scoring.