With the change at quarterback, the Chargers are expected to run the ball more so than they have done in the past.
After finishing No. 28 in the league rushing, Los Angeles has the opportunity to go from the bottom to the top now that they will have more creativity in the running game.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez is confident that the new offensive scheme will see L.A. finish among the NFL’s five best rushing teams at the end of the 2020 season.
Here’s Gonzalez’ explanation:
Doesn’t sound bold? We’re talking about a team that ranked 28th in rushing yards per game last season, then lost one of the greatest running backs in franchise history. No one man can truly replace Gordon, but the combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson will produce, Taylor will give the Chargers rushing ability out of the quarterback position that they haven’t had in, well, a really long time, and here’s the kicker: That offensive line will greatly benefit from a healthy Mike Pouncey at center and the additions of Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga on the right side.
With Melvin Gordon’s departure to Denver, it remains to be seen whether Austin Ekeler will see an uptick in rushing attempts, or if Justin Jackson, rookie Joshua Kelley and perhaps others can help to fill that void.
No matter who is getting the carries, they’re all more than capable of making big things happen.
While Ekeler produced more through the air, he still got it done on the ground, rushing for 132 carries, 557 yards, and three touchdowns last season.
Prior to getting injured, Jackson, through the first three weeks of the 2019 season, had 142 yards on 18 carries (7.8 yards per carry). Northwestern’s all-time leading rusher has flashed plenty of dominance in two NFL seasons.
Production is the name of Kelley’s, the team’s fourth-round pick, game. In 2018, he rushed for 1,243 yards. He followed that up with another 1,000-plus-yard campaign in 2019.
Then there’s quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will also use his legs as a weapon. In his three years as a starter in Buffalo, Taylor averaged 525 rushing yards per season.
The bottom line is that the Chargers are equipped to finish among the top teams in rushing when all is said and done.