Having a good running back is synonymous with the LA Chargers. The Bolts had one of the greatest running backs of all time in LaDainian Tomlinson, who was replaced by an above-average Ryan Mathews, who was replaced by an above-average Melvin Gordon, who was replaced by an above-average Austin Ekeler.
Ekeler is the only running back of that quartet that does not have a Pro Bowl nod under his belt but it will come. He very well should have been a Pro Bowler in 2019 and was putting up Pro Bowl numbers in 2020 but did not play a full season.
While Ekeler is still obviously on the team, the running back position could become an issue for the Chargers this season. Luckily, running the ball is not as important as it once was, but this could be the one big hole on the roster that holds the offense back from reaching its ceiling.
The LA Chargers need everything to go right with the running back position.
If everything goes right then the offense will have a nice balance and that will open up the passing game even further. If it does not go right then the Chargers will have a one-dimensional offense and that is easy to scheme against once you face the best teams in the league.
It might not be a concern to fans right now but there are two reasons why the running back position could be a big issue for the Bolts in 2021.