Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Here are three areas to watch in Sunday’s contest, plus some noteworthy stats on both teams:
Chargers have weapons at RB | By @Eric_L_Smith
The Chargers seemingly have big-play threats all over on offense, but keep an eye on the running back tandem in the backfield.
Melvin Gordon, who has played nine games, leads Los Angeles with 523 yards on 132 carries and has five touchdowns. Austin Ekeler, meanwhile, has 481 yards and three scores on 112 rushes.
Both players are also a threat in the air, especially Ekeler, who has a team-high eight touchdowns on 73 receptions and has 830 yards, the second-most on the team.
Add in all up, and the duo has combined for 1,986 of the Chargers 4,884 offensive yards (40.7 percent). They also have 17 of Los Angeles’ 30 offensive touchdowns.
“Well, they’re a little different style of back, but not tremendously. Both can really hit the perimeter. They both run hard,” Zimmer said. “Ekeler is probably a little bit more of a receiver, but they use Gordon on screens as well. Sometimes they have them on the field at the same time.
“They use Ekeler a little bit more as a receiver, but they’ll use Gordon as a receiver there and [Ekeler] will be in the backfield, or vice-versa,” Zimmer added. “They’re similar backs, but they have maybe a couple different plays. Gordon likes this play a little bit more, and Ekeler likes that one.”
The duo is coming off a strong game against Jacksonville, as Gordon and Ekeler combined for 29 offensive touches that went for 297 total yards and two scores.
Ekeler topped 100 yards rushing and receiving, including an 84-yard touchdown catch.
“We’ve got to do a good job of leveraging him in the coverage, understand what they’re trying to get accomplished with him route-wise,” said Vikings Defensive Coordinator George Edwards. “We have our work cut out for us this week.”
It will take a team effort by the Vikings to slow down the tandem, but linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks could play a vital role in limiting explosive plays.
Minnesota has allowed nine total touchdowns to running backs in 2019 — five on the ground and four through the air.