5 reasons Chargers can win without Melvin Gordon

The Los Angeles Chargers are without running back Melvin Gordon, who is holding out from training camp in hopes of securing a long-term contract extension. While Melvin Gordon has every right to wait for more money, the Chargers have the right to dismiss the wish.

Is it the wrong move for Los Angeles? Perhaps, but there is plenty of reason to believe the Chargers can win the Super Bowl even if Gordon goes full-on Le’Veon Bell. Here are five reasons to consider:

5. Best roster in football?

The Chargers are absolutely loaded. Los Angeles is employing Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, Austin Ekeler, Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Desmond King, Denzel Perryman, Derwin James and Casey Hayward. There’s no shortage of talent in that locker room, and there’s little reason to believe losing a running back, no matter how talented, is bringing that group to its collective knees.

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4. It’s a passing game 

More than ever before, the NFL is about throwing the ball. Gordon was a significant part of the passing attack in Los Angeles last year, catching 50 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns. However, Ekeler has quality hands (more on him below) and can help to replace any lost touches. Additionally, the Chargers should be throwing the ball plenty to Allen and Mike Williams, along with a now-healthy Henry.

3. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson

Internally, the Chargers love the duo of Ekeler and Jackson. Are either of the quality Gordon brings to the table? Hard to make that argument, but there’s plenty Los Angeles can get out of the pair. The Chargers might not be able to replace Gordon with either of them individually, but between Ekeler and Jackson, Los Angeles should be fine at running back.

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2. A terrific defense

The defense is loaded. Bosa and Ingram are two of the game’s great pass-rushers. The secondary has James playing at an All-Pro level, while Heyward and King are two of the NFL’s best corners. The linebacking core is the weak link by veteran Thomas Davis alongside Perryman is legitimate. The defense should keep most opponents in the teens and low 20s all season.

1. Philip Rivers

Rivers is always going to be what makes the Chargers go. If No. 17 is playing well, the offense will continue to hum along whether Gordon, Ekeler, Jackson or someone else is taking handoffs. The Chargers are going to score plenty of points provided Rivers doesn’t see a significant drop-off in his age 38 season.