Ranking the top running backs the Chargers face in 2022
By Ryan Harris
4. Javonte Williams
Javonte Williams' rookie season in the NFL caught a lot of people's eyes in his ability to break out of tackles. Being drafted out of UNC in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A perfect fit in this Broncos offense that the Chargers have to face twice this year, and as Williams heads into year two, we can only expect more from him.
As a rookie, Javonte Williams led the NFL in both forced tackle rate and forced missed tackles. Totaling 1,219 scrimmage yards in year one while splitting the workload with ex-Charger Melvin Gordon III is very impressive, and he could have a bigger role in the Russell Wilson-led Broncos offense.
3. Derrick Henry
The two-time rushing leader in 2019 and 2020 comes in at number three on our list. Derrick Henry has been a force to be reckoned with his incredible strength since he entered the NFL. After winning offensive player of the year for having over 2,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, we could only expect him to build on that going into 2021.
He did just that to start the year, as he nearly hit the 1,000-yard mark eight games in when he unfortunately sustained an injury to hold him out the remainder of the regular season. If he did not get hurt, he may end up being number one or two on this list, and he could be atop of the list once the season is over.
Not many teams can stop Derrick Henry at full strength regardless of how talented the run defense is, which makes Henry one of the scariest tailbacks in the NFL. The anticipation to the home week 15 matchup against the Titans will give us enough time to see how the run defense has done against some other talented run offenses.