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LA Chargers: 3 goals for Austin Ekeler as the RB1 in 2020

By Jason Reed

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers hands the ball to Austin Ekeler #30 during the Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 20, 2020 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 20: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Los Angeles Chargers hands the ball to Austin Ekeler #30 during the Los Angeles Chargers Training Camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 20, 2020 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

1. 1,700 yards from scrimmage, 14 combined touchdowns

These are really good numbers for any running back and that is kind of the point. Austin Ekeler is a really good running back and he already should have been a Pro Bowler. What he has done for the LA Chargers in a limited amount of time is fantastic.

Ekeler became one of just three running backs since 2000 to have a 900-receiving yard season and was seven yards shy of breaking 1,000. He finished the season with 1,550 yards from scrimmage and 11 combined touchdowns.

He absolutely could make the leap and add another 150 yards from scrimmage and that might even be low-balling it. The reason why I am not going higher is just that I do think he will see fewer receiving yards because of the offensive style, but his rushing totals should absolutely go up.

Ekeler is capable of picking up 850 yards on the ground and 850 via the receiving game. Three more touchdowns are absolutely doable as well.

If you are doubtful of Ekeler putting together this kind of season then just consider this: he only played in 57 percent of the team’s offensive snaps last season. He should be playing around 67-70 percent of the snaps in 2020 so the numbers absolutely should and will go up.

If Ekeler accomplishes this goal it will be just the 12th season in which a running back had 1,700 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns since 2010. Nine running backs have done it.

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