In his morning column, First Read, for NFL.com NFL Analyst Jeffri Chadiha listed five players that he predicts will thrive in 2024. Among them was the Los Angeles Chargers free agent running back acquisition, Gus Edwards.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Over/Under Win Total
Chadiha’s reasoning is dual-fold, a combination of system and skill
1.) “..the Chargers are going to run the ball far more than they ever have since Herbert arrived in 2020, which means Edwards will be a major factor.” and 2.) “Edwards has the size (6-foot-1, 238 pounds) that Harbaugh loves in his offense. Edwards also was productive in Baltimore, where he ran for at least 700 yards in four of his five seasons…”
Edwards to be Los Angeles Chargers Bell-Cow Back
Chargers general manager, Joe Hortiz, has told Chargers beat writers that the plan is to use Edwards as the primary running back. This will be a new role for the soon-to-be 29-year-old. Last season was Edward’s high water maker when it comes to carries. He ran the ball 198 times, 24th most among halfbacks. His production also took a bump, he set a career-high with 810 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns.
His carries will increase by at least 25 percent in this role. In a Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman offense, Frank Gore never ran the ball fewer than 250 times in a year with a peak of 282.
The question will be can he remain the explosive back we have seen with an increased workload? So far in his career, as his touches increase his efficiency goes down. His yards per carry and success rate have both slipped as carries increase. His age also correlates with those numbers.
The Los Angeles Chargers currently have Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson on the roster. The two haven’t been put to the test enough to know what their role will be in the Chargers new offense. Given the high volume, it is likely that the Chargers will also add a running back in the draft.
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