Creating a tough-guy mentality on offense was one of the goals for Ken Whisenhunt when he rejoined the San Diego Chargers as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Whisenhunt sought a more physical attitude running the football after San Diego averaged a league-worst 3.5 yards per carry last season. It’s one of the reasons the Chargers signed center Matt Slauson in free agency, who has added toughness to the group up front.
Chargers head coach Mike McCoy made running the football a point of emphasis in his team’s first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
Mission accomplished, as the Chargers finished with 115 rushing yards on 26 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
The story said all five starters on the O-line have been together for a good part of the offseason, which is a big help. Whisenhunt said he’s liked what he’s seen so far from Melvin Gordon. When Whisenhunt served as the offensive coordinator in 2013, Ryan Mathews had his best year as a pro, finishing with 1,255 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Whisenhunt believes that Gordon could have a similar season for the Chargers this year, according to the story. Obviously this is good news for potential Gordon owners who should be able to grab the back around the seventh round.
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