Don’t underestimate Austin Ekeler

By: Jake Rajala

The Los Angeles Chargers blatantly possess a dynamite ball carrier and a more lethal version of Darren Sproles in Austin Ekeler. The former Western Colorado RB (believe it or not) is coming off an incredible game against the Cleveland Browns where he ran for 173 rushing yards and a touchdown. Let it be known that Ekeler already has accumulated 527 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns on the season. Contrary to Justin Herbert’s lack of explosion over the past few weeks, Ekeler has found a way to be effective as of late.

The Chargers RB was also a greek god in 2021 by way of obtaining a whopping 20 total touchdowns with 1,558 all-purpose yards. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report nicely dubbed Ekeler as a Pro Bowl snub a season ago. Let’s not forget that Ekeler also recorded 1,550 total yards and 11 TDs in 2015, yet failed to garner a Pro Bowl nod!

Without question, Ekeler is the most potent RB over the prior several seasons to fail to reach the Pro Bowl. If Ekeler continues to be the most efficient version of himself but fails to reach the Pro Bowl, it would be a massive shame (and it would be the third time it’s happened!).

Ekeler is off to a miraculous start in 2022 & he’s projected to have a career-high 1,792 all-purpose yards & 17 combined touchdowns this season – per ESPN. Furthermore, his production in the Chargers offense in 2022-2023 should result in more victories this season than last season.

The Chargers RB1 & 27-year-old chess piece in Brandon Staley’s offense is amid a four-year contract with LA & he’s bound to be a free agent in the 2024 off-season. Expect Ekeler, Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen (FA in 2025), and Mike Williams to dismantle foes for a few more seasons together.