NFL San Diego Chargers

Is San Diego Chargers’ Branden Oliver the Next Darren Sproles?

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By @Paul_Jackiewicz

Getty Images

Getty Images

It looks like the San Diego Chargers may have found a stud running back in undrafted rookie Branden Oliver, who busted onto the scene this past Sunday against the New York Jets. The Buffalo product racked up 114 yards on 19 carries, which is an average of six yards per carry against the NFL’s top defense.

This is how impressive Oliver’s performance against the Jets was — New York’s defense has only allowed a 100 yard rusher once in the past 22 games prior to this past Sunday against San Diego. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers teammate Antonio Gates says that Oliver reminds him of one of his former teammates and one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs, Darren Sproles.

As you can see in the play below, Oliver did a great job of catching the ball out of the backfield and quickly getting down field, which is reminiscent of Sproles.

Branden Oliver chargers

I also like that Oliver doesn’t have a problem running the ball up the middle as well. You don’t see Sproles do that much, if ever. This play shows the power that he possesses despite his 5-foot-7 frame.

Branden Oliver Chargers

When the Chargers lost Danny Woodhead for the season a couple of weeks back, it looked as if they were going to lose the part of their offense that includes throwing the ball to a quick running back that can make plays out of the backfield. With Oliver in the mix, it now looks like he can replace both Woodhead and Ryan Mathews, who’s also currently sidelined with a sprained MCL.

I really can’t imagine Oliver’s role being diminished once Mathews comes back from his knee injury. He’s certainly making a case that he should be teamed up with Mathews and that Donald Brown should be the Chargers’ third-string running back when all three backs are active.

With the Chargers getting ready to face off against the Raiders and their 31st ranked run defense this coming Sunday, Oliver should have a heck of a game.

Paul Jackiewicz is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Paul_Jackiewicz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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