Chargers' Lynn wants to take Gordon's game to next level

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn is a running backs specialist, and he plans to get the most out of Melvin Gordon.

Lynn, who began the 2016 season as Buffalo Bills running backs coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator and took over the league's top-ranked rushing attack before the Chargers hired him.

He's likely to implement another run-heavy scheme with the Chargers, and said he's intent on improving Gordon's game as the former first-round pick enters his third season.

"I've watched some tape on him," Lynn said of Gordon to ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "Man, he has some upside. He did a hell of a job from his rookie year to his sophomore year. And I told him we can take this to another level. We're going to do some things running-wise that I can think can help him."

Lynn believes Gordon has yet to tap into his potential, particularly in trying to gain yards after contact.

"He's not there yet," Lynn said. "But that's what is encouraging to me. When I look at the tape, I say, 'Oh my goodness, we can help him get better here and here.' And he's already good. But there's more yards (to be gained)."

Gordon rushed for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns before hip and knee injuries caused him to miss the final three games of the season.

Lynn compared the Wisconsin product to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory.

"When he wants to be physical, he can be physical," Lynn said about Gordon. "He's not quite the Chris Ivory. He's built similar to Chris Ivory. Chris Ivory is more powerful, but Mel's a powerful man, too. He's young, and he's still growing."