Melvin Gordon did not have the preseason everyone was expecting the running back to have. After getting taken much earlier than expected in the NFL Draft, the hype was high on the running back, but he did not truly deliver. With Montee Ball getting coated with the bust label after his release from the Denver Broncos, all eyes are on Gordon to save the Wisconsin run game legacy. Quarterback Philip Rivers is confident the rookie proves plenty of people wrong.
Gordon's play in the preseason led to head coach Mike McCoy saying the Chargers would take a "by committee" approach for the run game. Outside of Gordon, the Chargers are expected to work in Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver which have many concerned about the overall impact of Gordon. Rivers believes the rookie is just working towards improving.
"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."
Gordon put up just 2.3 yards per carry on 20 possessions in the preseason. The Chargers need more. Woodhead will work in as the passing-down back while Oliver could end up being the favored running back is Gordon does not step up an improve. Fantasy football owners are banking on Gordon being a star and Rivers believes it will take some time as he could have a slow start to the year.
"The expectations are going to be high any time you draft a back that high,' Rivers said, via the San Diego Union Tribune. "I would advise the fans not to base the expectations on carries and yards. Don't say, 'Oh man, if he doesn't have 22 for 120 then are we getting what we need from him?' "
The Chargers will be facing a stout Detroit Lions run defense which would put pressure on the passing game, something Rivers is fine with. Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd will take care of the passing game as Stevie Johnson is also expected to play a large role as well. Gordon could have a quit game simply because of the offensive plan in Week 1.