(photo credit: NFL)
by Nick Hamilton (@NickHamiltonLA)
After a light practice just 24 hours before their scrimmage with the “other” team in Los Angeles — the Rams on Saturday at Stub Hub Center, the Bolts are ready for the rivalry to heat up.
Running back Melvin Gordon is excited at the chance to not only see their home for the next 3 seasons but getting a feel for how the fans will be as the team plays on the field. Yes, this has turned into more of the Gurley vs Gordon rivalry than two teams battling for Los Angeles. Gurley vs. Gordon sounds more like a spy vs spy type of movie or video game than a football rivalry. Traditionally we as sportswriters and even fans have always been the foundations for rivalries and “beefs” whether it be in sports, music, or some form of entertainment.
“That’s my boy,” Gordon said speaking of Gurley. “I’m cool with him, but obviously we compete. I mean the first I didn’t do so well, and I watched him. Then my second year I bounced back. So this year is going to tell it all.”
Granted both running back have not had an easy journey to their third year in the NFL, Gurley had an exceptional rookie, but took the sophomore slump harder than Jagged Edge comeback album .
Gordon had a terrible rookie season, but after an off-season of working out with Adrian Peterson and a renewed mind, he made a dramatic turnaround and finished just three yards shy of 1,000 yards. A healthy Gordon looks to be even more improved under an exciting yet disciplined head coach in Anthony Lynn who’s had good success with running backs.
Now that the Jeff Fisher era ended, in Training Camp Gurley’s approach to the field and attacking the holes is much improved. Gurley seems to have a renewed energy and part of that is due to the infectious attitude of first time head coach Sean McVay who’s also offensively driven.
A tale of two teams, relocations a year apart, new head coaches, and they say this is a get rich town. Both franchises are not only battling for L.A., but for football power.
These two individual are top notch backs, with the right offense and offensive line in place, the sky is truly the limit for both of them. Their running form and approach to the game is truly a work of art.
The fans and us in the media will have to keep it lit all season, to keep the interest, yet if both teams are successful on the field, the “rivalry” will heat up to temperatures unimaginable.