NFL preseason games are like appetizers before the main course that is the regular season.
After the Chargers fell 16-15 to the Seattle Seahawks in their 3rd exhibition contest, you’re probably still hungry to see more of one new player in particular.
The Chargers gave rookie running back Melvin Gordon ample opportunities to showcase his skills against the team that was one play away from winning back-to-back Super Bowls. The former Wisconsin Badger emerged from the game without any disclosed injuries, but also without a signature play during his latest dress rehearsal.
If you look solely at the box score and see Gordon ran for 34 yards on 14 carries, you probably aren’t enthused about the new kid on the block averaging a paltry 2.4 yards per carry.
Gordon carried the rock 6 times for just 11 yards in his first NFL action against the Cowboys and sat out as a precaution when the team traveled to Arizona. As NBC7’s Derek Togerson pointed out in his game recap, the Chargers rookie did not appear to be slowed down by the ankle injury he was nursing over the past few weeks.
His longest rush of the day was an 8 yard burst up the middle. Gordon also picked up back-to-back 5-yard gains on one drive which included a 3rd-and-1 conversion for a first down. But for the most part he struggled to get going when running behind center and towards the right side of the offensive line.
The rookie admitted afterwards that he feels like he knows what he’s doing and is trying to just “calm himself down,” as he settles in and adapts to the speed of the game.
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"I'm definitely getting more comfortable,” said Gordon. “It takes reps."
While Gordon struggled, Branden Oliver did twist his way into the end-zone for the 3rd straight exhibition game.
The 3rd year pro out of Buffalo dazzled his way past the Seahawks backups after catching a short pass from Kellen Clemens and heading up field for an electric 70 yard scoring play down the sideline.
Oliver also scored on a nifty 10-yard run in the preseason opener against the Cowboys, and tallied six points against Arizona on a 3 yard plunge.
Oliver has now scored a touchdown in 3 different ways against 3 different teams: as a goal-line back, a playmaking rusher, and a pass catcher that runs for tons of yards after the catch.
The kneejerk reaction may be to call for Brandon Oliver to start the season opener against Detroit, but if you feel that way we need to take a timeout. There are many factors to consider as to why Gordon has not shown big flashes so far in August.
First of all, Seattle has developed a reputation of being one of the best defenses in the league – and one of the deepest – over the past few years. The Chargers are also trying to figure out how to get their new toy in space.
Teams also are trying to walk the tightrope of getting regulars game-action while limiting the amount of time they could suffer injuries out on the field. Look no further than the Green Bay Packers who saw starting wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb suffer injuries within 6 days in preseason games that don’t count in the standings.
Danny Woodhead also spelled Gordon during the first half. It’s important to remember that all three running backs provide the Chargers with options.
There's a good chance Gordon won’t be a workhorse back because Woodhead and Oliver have proven in past regular season games that they can contribute as well.
The San Diego offensive line is still a work in progress, although the passing product is ahead of the rushing attack. Philip Rivers looked sharp against Seattle, completing 13-of-19 passes for 140 yards. As long as the O-Line can keep their signal-caller upright, there should be no concern about the passing game.
As for the ground game, take a step back and remember that Gordon has officially rushed for 0 yards on 0 carries and hauled in 0 receptions so far in his actual NFL career.
You can still draft him in your fantasy football league, too.
Let’s see how the first round pick performs when the games actually count before we rush to any assumptions. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same goes for Pro Bowl careers.
Sometimes when you go to a restaurant, the appetizers aren’t amazing. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the main entrée or the desserts are going to be subpar.
