4 winners (and 1 loser) for the Chargers in preseason opener vs Rams

Chargers winner: Elijah Dotson

One of the areas where the Chargers really struggled last season was running the ball between the tackles. As great as Austin Ekeler is, the offense was not suited for him to be a traditional runner and he has taken a step back in the traditional runner sense.

New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is looking to change that and it was very apparent on Saturday. The Chargers ran the ball 31 times for 214 yards (6.9 yards per carry), which would have been the second-most rushing yards last season.

Leading the way for the Bolts was Elijah Dotson, who is an undrafted free agent running back that is trying to earn a roster spot in LA. Dotson was absolutely fantastic for the Bolts, carrying the ball six times for 92 yards with two touchdowns.

The first three running backs on the Chargers' roster are already set and with there being more receiver depth, it didn't seem like the Bolts were going to add a fourth back. However, if Dotson keeps playing like this and provides special teams value then it will be hard to turn him away.

One name to watch in this regard is Zander Horvath. Moore traditionally hasn't utilized the fullback in his offense and if the Chargers can add another productive back instead of Horvath that may be the direction the team takes.