Los Angeles Chargers: Positives to take into the bye week

By Jason Reed | Oct 24, 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Darius Philon of Los Angeles Chargers is seen in the tunnel during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

3. Melvin Gordon is playing like a top-three running back

Missing the game in London in Week 7 will hurt Gordon statistically compared to his peers at running back. But even with missing a game, Gordon has been playing the like third or even second best running back in the league.

After Week 6, Gordon ranked third in both rushing yards and touchdowns and joined Todd Gurley as the only non-quarterback to have eight or more touchdowns.

Gordon has been the engine of the offense and is a huge reason why the Chargers’ offense has been so successful. Running the ball opens the passing game up for Philip Rivers. With Gordon becoming a better weapon in the passing game, he has become a reliable dump off valve for Rivers when a play falls apart.

Todd Gurley is the best running back in football this year and will likely win the MVP. Besides Gurley, not many backs have a case to make over Gordon. Perhaps Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley could make the case, but statistically, Gordon is right up there.

He is no LaDainian Tomlinson but he is the best running back the Chargers have had since. Having a legitimately dangerous playmaker like that in the backfield is huge for a deep playoff run.

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