Los Angeles Chargers: Studs and duds vs. Packers in Week 9

Stud: Mike Williams

It seems as though Philip Rivers and wide receiver Mike Williams are finally building chemistry with one another. Finishing with three receptions for 111 yards, it felt almost unfortunate that Rivers didn’t throw to Williams more often. Two of the three receptions were excellent catches by Williams, one of which went for 56 yards and the other for 46 yards. Using his height and speed, Williams was able to beat the coverage to make these grabs.

It was also the first 100-yard effort of his career. All that’s missing are touchdowns; let’s hope that they come soon.

Stud: Melvin Gordon

Simply put: Melvin Gordon was the star of this game. His ability to move the chains and get first downs was on display all throughout the game, finishing with 80 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The big highlight came on a 16-yard run where Gordon hurdled over a Packers defender to gain additional yardage. Although that was the highlight of the day, the most meaningful moment for Gordon came when, after a field goal by Michael Badgley was nullified by a penalty, head coach Anthony Lynn opted to go for the six points on a fourth-and-goal.

Two weeks ago, Gordon infamously failed to score against the Tennessee Titans on a fourth-and-goal during the final seconds of the game. Again faced with that situation, Gordon showed that he wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice, easily running the ball right through into the end zone.

Hopefully this is the beginning of a trend in which we see the running back resume playing as effectively as he once did in the past. However, it can also be an opportunity for Gordon to demonstrate why he held out and considers himself an elite back who deserves to be compensated similarly among the likes of the NFL’s elite running backs such as Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliot.