The San Diego Chargers drafted Melvin Gordon to potentially be the workhorse running back for the team in 2015. The preseason did not show that plan coming together and Week 1 did not offer up much either as to what the rookie's role would be on the team. Gordon was facing plenty of criticism coming into the game as he failed to impress in the preseason. With Danny Woodhead taking care of business in the redzone, what is Gordon's job moving forward?
Before Week 1, quarterback Philip Rivers told the media that he wanted an even split of carries for the run game, making sure to defend Gordon with it. Gordon did end up leading the team in rushing with 51 yards off 14 carries, but it was Woodhead that was the different maker, getting two touchdowns off 42 yards and 12 carries. He also added 20 yards off four catches. According to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Gordon did exactly what was needed of him.
"I thought Melvin had a good game," Reich said, via the San Diego Union Tribune. "The thing I liked most about Melvin was, he just appeared confident, poised, the whole game. I just felt like he had a good look in his eyes. As coaches you kind of think you feel that a little bit. I just felt like it slowed down for him in a lot of ways. Looking at him on film, you see some of the things there that you want to see, and it will just continue to build."
Gordon might be doing everything right, but it is Woodhead they turn to in the redzone. Heading into Week 2, the running back is a player on the rise in terms of fantasy and if owners have yet to sweep him off the waiver wire, now is the time to do so. Rivers clearly trusted the veteran to take it in and that could be much of the same moving forward as Rivers stresses full confidence in the group.
"Oh yeah, and I think it will just keep getting better and better," Rivers said, via ESPN.com. "I think that position especially, the more times you have that ball in your arm, you're going to continue to improve and understand. I thought he had a heck of a game really. For his first start, his first go at it, I thought his contribution was a plus."
A surprise breakout star for the Chargers turned out to be Stevie Johnson who had 82 yards and a touchdown on the day. He and Keenan Allen led the group in receiving over Malcom Floyd. Fantasy owners should not read too much into Johnson's big day, but with the stout run defense of the Cincinnati Bengals, the receivers could be poised for solid numbers.
