Chargers News: AFC West Columnist Positions Bolts' Running Backs as Division Runner-Up

Raiders take the top RB spot in the division accoridng to team's columnist

Your Los Angeles Chargers don't have too many weak spots on their team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Bolts will be going into this season with one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and it could all fall on the hands of their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. 

Herbert is by far the most important player for the Chargers, but he'll need the help of others to get the job done. His offense is primed for a big season, especially his running back, Austin Ekeler. Ekeler is by far his most explosive target in the offense, and that says a lot considering the talent LA has at their disposal.

The running back group is arguably the team's best group on the team, but it isn't when you compare them to the rest of their division, the AFC West, at least according to Raiders columnist from Raiders Wire Levi Damien. 

Damien ranked AFC West running backs and placed the Chargers with the second-best running backs. 

Austin Ekeler,

Joshua Kelley

Once again, it’s all about the workhorse. Ekeler has averaged over 1400 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns over the past four seasons, and nearly 1600 yards and 19 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He does this while averaging 4.6 yards per carry over his career.

Damien listed the Raiders with the best running back core in the division, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos at last. 

Ekeler is clearly the best running back in the division, but Damien is right; outside of Ekeler, there is no one to worry about. Joshua Kelly, Isaiah Spiller, and Larry Rountree III are no scrubs either, but they have yet to make a name for themselves when they come in for Ekeler. 

Between the three other Chargers RBs, they combined for 100 carries, 347 yards, and two touchdowns in 2022. That is not the type of productivity that is sustainable for Ekeler, who has gotten a ton of workload these past seasons. 

The 28-year-old has proven to be a top running back or maybe even the best, but it's no secret he gets no help from his back-ups. LA at number two on the list seems reasonable.