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Buccaneers at Chargers: Five Game-Changing Players

By Bailey Adams

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag waved by fans at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Melvin Gordon

Philip Rivers is the key to success for the San Diego offense, but that doesn’t take away from the importance of Melvin Gordon. If the Chargers can get the run game going, it will open up the rest of the offense for Rivers. The former Wisconsin Badger has rushed for 908 yards and nine touchdowns on 234 carries this year. He’s gone over 100 yards rushing in just three games this year, but he’s been a big part of each win that San Diego has picked up.

The Buccaneer defense has been dominant in recent weeks, and part of that has been because of the run defense. Tampa Bay has still given up 115.8 rushing yards per game, which certainly isn’t great. But, during the current three-game winning streak, the defense has been able to shut down the opposition’s featured running back. Chicago’s Jordan Howard did run for 100 yards, but Kansas City’s Spencer Ware went for just 69 yards on 17 carries and Seattle’s Thomas Rawls carried the ball 12 times for 38 yards. Gordon is the next test, and if the Bucs can keep him in check, it’ll do wonders for their chances of leaving with a win.

Gordon has totaled just 70 yards in back-to-back weeks, but that was after back-to-back 100-yard performances. He’s been fairly streaky this year, but he’s a big threat for the San Diego offense. If he gets going, it could be dangerous.

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