Over the last couple of seasons, Melvin Gordon has showcased that he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Gordon has become a true workhorse back since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2015.
Gordon didn't get to play all 16 games during the 2018 season, but when he did play he was one of the best players on the field. The Chargers and Phillip Rivers need Gordon to be on the field if they hope to be at their best.
Even though last season Gordon and the Chargers fell short at the hands of the New England Patriots in the divisional round. Both Los Angeles teams in the NFL will want to quickly forget about their losses to the Patriots in 2019.
When people discuss the best running backs in the NFL, Gordon's name is rarely mentioned despite his stats saying otherwise. There's no doubt that the Chargers running back uses that as motivation every season.
The 2019 season shouldn't be any different as Los Angeles hopes to get back to where they were in 2018 with different results. Gordon is back and ready to terrorize opposing defenses in his fifth season in the NFL.
Here are three early bold predictions for Melvin Gordon in the 2019 NFL season.
3. 12+ Rushing Touchdowns
Since Gordon failed to score a rushing touchdown during his rookie season in 2015, he's been a touchdown machine. In his last three seasons, Gordon has totaled 28 touchdowns on the ground for the Chargers.
In an offense led by Rivers under center and a talented receiving group, the scoring opportunities are endless. Furthermore, Gordon is the main running back in the offense so he gets the bulk of the rushing touchdowns.
Coming into 2019, things should be much of the same for the talented running back. The Chargers offense figures to be one of the best in the NFL again with Gordon leading the way in the backfield.
In his four-year career, Gordon has scored 10 or more rushing touchdowns twice. The Chargers could see their versatile back punch his way into the end zone 12 times in 2019 if he stays healthy.
2. 60+ Receptions
Again, since coming into the NFL in 2015, Gordon has worked tirelessly to become a weapon in both facets of the offense. In his rookie season, Gordon caught only 33 passes for 192 yards and no touchdowns.
Over his last three seasons though, Gordon has a combined 149 receptions, 1,385 yards receiving, and 10 touchdowns. He's quietly one of the most effective backs in the NFL in the passing game.
With the loss of someone like Tyrell Williams on offense, that leaves some targets for everybody to gain. Mike Williams will likely see the biggest boost as Keenan Allen has always been heavily targeted regardless.
Rivers can't always throw it downfield all the time with his unorthodox side-arm motion, so sometimes he has to check it down. The recipient of the majority of the check downs has been Gordon and that will continue into 2019.
Gordon will improve his ability to be a lethal weapon in the passing game by catching over 60 passes in 2019.
1. 350+ Total Touches
As mentioned before, Gordon is the definition of a workhorse back for Los Angeles. Even though, he has failed to remain healthy in his five-year career.
In his four seasons in the NFL, the Chargers starting running back has only started in all 16 games just once. Keeping him healthy and fresh for another playoff run will be important for the Chargers in the upcoming season.
Although, it's likely he sees an uptick in touches due to his continual development that allows him to be a three-down back. Over the last three seasons, Gordon has averaged 287 touches per season.
The thing is, injuries have prevented him from continuing to get the highest potential of touches he can possibly get. In 2017, Gordon received a career-high 342 touches in the lone season where he started in all 16 games.
This prediction is bold because it is going to take another fully healthy season from Gordon to achieve it. Gordon will garner 350 touches in 2019 as long as he is able to remain on the field.
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