Chargers don’t need Melvin Gordon, just overtime, to beat Colts

The Los Angeles Chargers are 1-0 after a thrilling overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts.

The Chargers went into the season opener without their number one running back and as many speculated when he decided to hold out for more money, the team may not need him.

Austin Ekeler was spectacular on Sunday, racking up 154 yards of total offense and scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.

The Chargers led most of the way but the Colts scored a touchdown and two-point conversion with less than a minute to play to force overtime. The Chargers gave up 174 yards on the ground to Marlon Mack, who had a 63-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

But it was the Chargers running backs who were the story. In addition to what Ekeler did, Justin Jackson also had several big runs, gaining 57 yards on just six carries. The offensive line consistently got a good push on running plays, leading the two backs, who most believe don’t offer the team what Gordon does, to some big gains.

It was easily the biggest day of Ekeler’s young career. He scored the team’s first touchdown on the season on a 1-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. In the third quarter, he caught a short pass and bounced off tacklers, muscling his way to the end zone en route to a 55-yard score.

In overtime, the Chargers got the ball and went right down the field. After a short third-down conversion, Ekeler took a handoff and ran through tacklers for a 7-yard touchdown to win the game.

It was the Chargers’ first Week 1 victory since beating the Detroit Lions in 2015. The Chargers go on the road to face the Lions next Sunday at Ford Field.