Chargers' Gordon after 3-TD effort: 'I could play better'

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon elected to be modest after his team's 38-14 rout of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. "I'm playing well, but I could play better," Gordon said after rushing for 132 yards and three touchdowns on just 18 carries. "Everybody was on point today. It's big for us that we learn how to finish these games. Today was big." Gordon scored from 4, 10 and 11 yards out for the Chargers (4-2), who pounded out 246 yards on the ground on a staggering 6.8 yards per carry. The last time they rushed for over 240 yards was Dec. 28, 2008 versus the Denver Broncos. The 25-year-old Gordon upped his career total in touchdowns to 24 with six coming this season. He also has 91 carries for 466 yards in six games in 2018. Gordon now has nine touchdowns this season -- the most by a Chargers player in the team's first six games of a season since Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 (11), according to ESPN. "I love the way he's running," coach Anthony Lynn said. "I'm telling you, he's inspiring our whole sideline with the way he runs." Austin Ekeler held up his end of the bargain with seven carries for 60 yards while wide receiver Keenan Allen contributed with four rushes for 41 yards. "The running game was clicking," Lynn said. "The guys up front were knocking them off the ball. We were giving them some misdirection and keeping them off balance to try and keep the linebackers on their heels and off their toes. We just did a good job. (Chargers offensive coordinator) Ken (Whisenhunt) did a great job of calling that game today and just keeping them off balance." Gordon's output took the pressure off quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw the ball just 20 times, completing 11 for 207 yards, two touchdowns and one interception before giving way to Geno Smith. --K Michael Badgley made his NFL debut, taking over for Caleb Sturgis (quad injury). The rookie delivered, making all five of his extra-point attempts before making it a perfect six-for-six on the day by drilling a 44-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. --K Caleb Sturgis (quad injury) missed Sunday's game against the Browns. --WR Tyrell Williams had three catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Browns. All three catches came in the pivotal second quarter. --RB Melvin Gordon carried 18 times for 132 yards and three touchdowns, giving him six scores on the season. --CB Desmond King intercepted two passes for 33 yards in Sunday's win over the Browns.