Austin Ekeler Ready To Become Lead Back For Chargers

It’s officially the Austin Ekeler show. Melvin Gordon is in Denver and now it’s time for Ekeler to shine in LA. Ekeler was statistically better than Gordon last year but now it’s not a debate. Those no more sharing touches anymore.

Recently, Ekeler spoke to the media and declared he’s ready to be the lead back for the Chargers:

“Now I am the starting running back but that doesn’t mean my game is going to change,” he said on Monday, via the Associated Press. “There is more of a spotlight on my name, but the offense is a similar dynamic.”

“I feel like people have a hard time ranking me. When they think running backs, they usually think of rushing yards and touchdowns,” he said. “I feel like I am efficient when I have the ball in my hands in terms of production.”

In 2019, Ekeler posted a stat line of 1,550 all-purpose yards which ranked 9th in the NFL. Most of that damage came through the air actually. He also posted 224 touches while Gordon was on the roster. Albeit, Gordon did holdout a number of games. Ekeler also punched in 8 touchdowns too. Imagine if Ekeler is actually able to improve upon those numbers.

Ekeler does make a good point. People do have a hard time ranking him because he was an undrafted player from a no name school. Based on efficiency and production Ekeler is one of the best in the business. Especially when you factor in that he does work in both the run and pass game.

Austin Ekeler Is A Top Fantasy Option In 2020

For fantasy, Ekeler should be a productive back. I’m more so worried about Anthony Lynn and Tyrod Taylor failing to produce a high powered offense. I do think Justin Jackson and Josh Kelley will get more touches than others think.