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In a recent appearance on the RapSheet + Friends podcast, Melvin Gordon told host and NFL Insider Ian Rapoport that the Chargers’ offense wasn’t necessarily built around his strengths as a player.
On the new RapSheet + Friends:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 19, 2020
Seismic changes to the Rooney Rule, with a rant from @TomPelissero.
@MikeGarafolo weighs in on states opening and bourbon.
@Melvingordon25 gets me cracking up laughing.
#Falcons FB Keith Smith lauds Todd Gurley https://t.co/O84YdmBOJU
Early on in their conversation, Rapoport asked Gordon why Denver was such an appealing landing spot for him in free agency. The sixth-year back didn’t hesitate to say that he felt that the Bronco’s system is a “great system for backs.”
“They run a lot of inside zone.” Gordon stated. “That’s what I did a lot at Wisconsin. It’s going to help me get back in the feel of what I do best. I’m an inside zone runner. When I came to the Chargers, I did a lot of stuff out of the gun and I struggled with it. You have be so detailed with everything. Obviously it helped make me a better player all around, especially in the passing game. It really didn’t play to my strengths during my first couple years there. I had to adjust. It wasn’t a system built for me”
He goes on to call Denver’s offense “my style of football.” This is a true statement in regards to what Gordon is describing his bread and butter. Denver plays more under center and they like to get downhill in the run game. Running back Phillip Lindsay has gutted more than a handful of defenses utilizing his speed and his slashing running style. Gordon looks to do the same in 2020.
It’s funny to hear Gordon make these statements now that he’s with another team, especially when we’ve all been told that the Chargers are moving to a more zone-heavy offense. It’s also a bit funny to see the team shifting to something Gordon would prefer right after they let him walk in free agency.
The most comical part of the entire conversation was when Gordon discussed how he still trains with a handful of his former Chargers teammates and that his old friends are now “letting him have it” about his decision to sign with Denver. Specifically, Gordon said Keenan Allen, Derwin James and Melvin Ingram are the worst about giving him a hard time.
This year’s matchups against the Broncos are certainly going to be even more must-watch than in previous years. I, for one, am not going to miss a snap.