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According to Pro Football Focus, Melvin Gordon ranked second in the NFL in missed tackles accumulated as a rusher with 48 (MT’s as a receiver were not included). Kansas City’s rookie sensation Kareem Hunt landed comfortably in first place with a whopping 61 tackles avoided.
It was tough to bring down Melvin Gordon last season! pic.twitter.com/6o140zO19n
— PFF LA Chargers (@PFF_Chargers) June 9, 2018
As the workhorse for the Chargers running attack, Gordon finally broke through the 1000-yard rushing plateau in 2017, a mark that eluded him by just three yards the prior season when injured his hip attempting to recover a fumble against the Carolina Panthers. He ended 2016 with 997 yards after he failed to return for either of the final three games.
He finished 2017 with 1,105 yards on the ground and eight rushing touchdowns. Through the air, Gordon snagged 58 passes for 476 yards and four touchdowns. His 1,581 total yards from scrimmage were a career high while his 12 total touchdowns matched his career-high set from the previous season.
With the addition of Mike Pouncey at the center position and projected starter Forrest Lamp coming back from his ACL tear, the sky is still the limit for Gordon as the offensive line looks to be as talented as they’ve been in recent memory.
What are your predictions for Melvin Gordon this season? Does he take a leap forward or a step in the wrong direction? Let us know what you think.