Last Sunday, facing the Steelers in primetime, the Chargers’ Austin Ekeler became just the fourth running back since 2000 to score multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns in the same game.
This Sunday, the Eaton High and Western Colorado product is the Broncos’ problem.
Ekeler, 26, has the wind at his back entering Empower Field as he’s already posted career highs in rushing yards (573) and total touchdowns (13). And the timing of that surge isn’t lost on Ekeler, who was reflective this past week about his journey from a small-town undrafted fringe prospect to one of the league’s top dual-threat tailbacks.
“It’s a special feeling with how far my journey’s come from running down on punts my rookie year to now,” Ekeler told Los Angeles media. “I feel like I’m leading the running back room, trying to get these guys going. There’s a lot of confidence in myself from my teammates and my coaches and that’s really special because it’s been a long journey and I’ve put a lot into this.
“And I’m going to continue to keep going, I’m going to continue to push (my teammates)… I’m enjoying this year so much, just with what our new culture is here.”
Ekeler re-signed with the Chargers on a four-year, $24.5 million deal ahead of the 2020 season — a few weeks before Los Angeles’ then-incumbent starting running back, Melvin Gordon, signed with Denver. He was praised by both coaching staffs ahead of Sunday’s AFC West showdown.
First-year Chargers’ coach Brandon Staley said Ekeler has the “real toughness” he wants to mold his team around, while Los Angeles offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi lauded the tailback’s ability to provide a spark between the tackles, on the perimeter or downfield on pass routes.
All of that was on display in the Chargers’ 41-37 victory over Pittsburgh last Sunday night.
“We always talk about a thunder back and a lightning back,” Lombardi said. “When (I was coaching) in New Orleans, that big back, he’s the pounder, and then the lightning back is more of the receiver and scat-back. He’s just a tremendous combination of both those qualities.”
Ekeler has the attention of Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, who recognizes how Ekeler’s improbable journey fuels him. Donatell said defenders at the second level tasked with covering Ekeler out of the backfield, such as inside linebackers Justin Strnad and Kenny Young, will need to be containment-sound.
“He’s such a hungry player to start,” Donatell said. “He’s that dual-threat where he can run the ball and find those small creases. He’s so sudden (with his movements) and he’s a tough cover — a really tough cover when he releases (off the line).”
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