Chargers' Running Game Shines in Preseason Opener with Undrafted Rookie

Could the Chargers run game look this good outside of Austin Ekeler?

Your Los Angeles Chargers showed up and showed out in their first outing of the 2023 season. Although it was preseason, it was great to see the Bolts back out there and picking up the win against their in-city rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, 34-17. 

The Bolts ran away with the game in the fourth quarter thanks to their consistent rushing attack all game long. It was evident the Bolts were trying to emphasize the run game, and they sure did that, rushing the ball 31 times for 214 yards compared to throwing 24 times for 105 yards between quarterbacks Max Duggan and Easton Stick. 

The run game had everyone turning their heads and shined in their first preseason game, including undrafted running back Elijah Dotson, who showcased his running skills, including a 40-yard rushing touchdown to put the game to bed. 

ANOTHER TD for Elijah Dotson! This one goes 40 yards.

6 carries
92 yards
2 TDs

📺: #LACvsLAR on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/qB3XR1BcKz

— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023

Dotson impressed many in his NFL debut, but he doesn't see it as such and is just happy to get the opportunity.

“To be honest, I’m very grateful for the opportunity that (general manager) Tom Telesco gave me,” Dotson told me in the locker room after the game. “But really I just got to keep working. You know what I’m saying? I don’t see it as a big deal. I know everybody else sees it. I’m happy that everybody else is happy. But I just want to keep working because I want to make the 53. That’s just my goal. I want to help the team win a Super Bowl.”

(via The Atheltic)

Dotson finished with six carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday night. 

Overall the LA run game was spectacular, including the two guys battling for RB No. 2 spot, Joshu aKelly and Isaiah Spiller. Kelly got the most carries with nine for 54 yards, while Spiller carried the ball five times for 27 yards and had a 71-yard TD run that was called back because of a holding penalty. 

The two did their thing, and the battle will reign on, but if Doston continues to shine, he may make a case for himself as the RB Nop. 2. This running back battle may be tougher than we thought.