San Diego Chargers: Expectations for Melvin Gordon in 2015

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Aug 21, 2015

The San Diego Chargers are hoping that running back Melvin Gordon turns into the kind of player that can be a cornerstone at the position for years to come. So far during his rookie year in the NFL, he’s being groomed to be their franchise player of the future that once he’s fully healthy, could really push the envelope not just for this upcoming season but for years to come. What kind of expectations should fans have for Gordon?

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Well, first off he needs to make sure he’s not being rushed too early due to his nagging ankle injury he sustained during team practices. The Chargers are in no rush to throw him to the wolves early on considering that they want to ensure he’ll be durable for the long season ahead.

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It wouldn’t make sense to risk Gordon further injuring himself for meaningless preseason games since the coaching staff knows what he brings to the table. He’s said to be fine but truth of the matter is, will probably see very little playing time until the regular season arrives.

Gordon should be one of those premiere running backs that will consistently display his tremendous skill-set when facing defenders. His ability to use his speed to break tackles and the potential to take it all the way for a touchdown are just some of his attributes that could make him into a potential star in 2015. He also has untapped potential when it comes to his receiving skills.

Another key aspect to what Gordon brings to the Chargers’ offense is his willingness to learn and hone his craft for the long-term. In an article written by Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, here is what Gordon had to say about the jitters of being a rookie in your first year in the NFL:

"“You’ve got to calm down and keep telling yourself, ‘It’ll come to you.’ I think that’s what a lot of players and probably a lot of rookies have to learn. You want to be great so fast. Sometimes, it just doesn’t happen that way. It’s a process.”"

Needless to say, with that mentality and of course full health, Gordon should be able to light up the Chargers’ offense and finally give them a reliable presence at the position. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich is already working on giving the Chargers a better rushing attack and bringing a much-needed balance on offense.

Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) receives the handoff in a preseason NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers have always been a pass-heavy team thanks to quarterback Philip Rivers under center.

Since Rivers is indeed one of the top quarterbacks playing today, his potential could be even scarier this upcoming season if the Chargers thanks to their running back corps can establish the run well and open everything else up on offense.

With a positional group featuring Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown, the Chargers will most likely trim down to a three-headed monster at the position.

Each option brings a different skill-set with the main theme being able to setup a potent ground game but also be a dual-threat and become receiving options on specific plays to open up the field.

Overall, Gordon has a great chance to step up out of the pack and be the home run threat many believe he can be. Keep an eye on Gordon throughout the regular season since he has the potential to be something real special for the Chargers and once again, make them further solidified as one of the top teams in the AFC West.

Next: San Diego Chargers 2015 Profiles: Corey Liuget

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