When the San Diego Chargers drafted Melvin Gordon, it was expected he would be the new workhorse for the team moving forward. After a highly successful college career that ended in a Heisman trophy nomination, Gordon was expected to be "the man" in San Diego. However, after a quiet preseason with the Chargers where he averaged just 2.2 yards per carry, Gordon might not be the home run hit the team thought they had.
Fantasy owners beware; the Chargers are taking the "by committee" approach when it comes to the run game. Investing early in Gordon might not be the best move to make when drafting those rosters. According to quarterback Philip Rivers, the ground game is going to feature more of an equal rotation than just all Gordon all the time. With Danny Woodhead on the roster along with Branden Oliver, the Chargers have talent that they intend to use other than the rookie.
"As Coach has always said -- I'm not saying anything out of the blue -- it's a running back by committee crew," Rivers said, via The San Diego Union-Tribune. "It's going to be a team effort in that bunch. We're going to need all of them to carry the load in the run game and to catch the ball out of the backfield."
It is far too early to place a bust label on Gordon. As a rookie, a slow start is not unexpected. While the Chargers were hoping he would simply hit the ground and take off, Gordon might need a bit of time to learn and develop. Having Woodhead makes that an easier transition as he will play a huge role as a rusher and also a passing-down back. His versatility could keep him on the field much more than Gordon. Rivers made it clear he has all of the confidence in Gordon's ability to be a star.
"He's going to continue to improve," Rivers said, via ESPN.com. "He was a little sped up early with some of his reads, which is understandable. He doesn't have a ton of carries in this league yet. But he kind of got going on some runs, started to make some really good cuts. And he runs hard. The first guy doesn't usually bring him down by himself."
The Chargers are hoping their offense is ready to take off in 2015 with Rivers re-signed to a new contract. Keenan Allen is back as the leading receiver and looking sharp in the role. Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates return happy to see Rivers inked to a long-term deal that insures his future with the franchise.
