The case for Melvin Gordon to stay in Los Angeles

By Faustino Felix

Jul 16, 2019

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 18: Melvin Gordon #28 of the San Diego Chargers gets the ball punched away as Mike Neal #96 of the Green Bay Packers reaches across in the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 18, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers fights off cornerback D.J. Reed #32 and cornerback Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers as he runs for a first down in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018, in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Gordon is one of the best running backs in the league at running against stacked boxes (8+ defenders in the box). He owned the highest success rate against stacked boxes (62.2%) and highest yards per carry (5.9) in 2018 according to Next Gen Stats. He also has the highest rushing grade against stacked boxes out of all the 2018 running backs with at least 50 attempts, according to PFF.

In 2018, no player beat stacked boxes better, more frequently, or more efficiently than Gordon, who faced stacked boxes on 25.71% of his carries.

https://twitter.com/PFF_ConnorPrice/status/1148306254256844806

For a team like the Chargers, that is extremely important. The Chargers enjoyed a good running game in 2018, in spite of offensive line play that ranged from average to horrible. This was achieved by different factors, like the threat from Philip Rivers and the passing game keeping defenders in check.

But another big reason was Gordon. He takes every single inch that is given to him, and more.