By Jordan Long
The San Diego Chargers are off to a 0-1 start after losing to the Chiefs Sunday 33-27. They are preparing for the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. The Chargers will be without Keenan Allen who tore his ACL on a non-contact play which occurred with 1:53 left in the second quarter. Who will Rivers throw the ball to?
Allen was off to a decent start with 6 catches and 63 yards prior to the injury. He has been one of Philip Rivers’ favorite targets because of his height and speed. Allen, at 6 foot 2 inches can out jump any cornerback to catch the football. His speed helps him create separation. When Allen catches the football, it will usually go for long first downs or touchdowns. In his four-year career Allen has a total of 221 receptions for 2,617 yards and 16 touchdowns with an impressive 11.8 yards per catch.
This is not the first time the Chargers had to play without Allen. Last year he suited up in 8 games and missed half the season with a lacerated kidney.
The Chargers are going to need the backups to step-up their play. Rivers can always trust tight end Antonio Gates. Gates is always reliable in the end zone and rarely drops the football. He must continue to get open to take pressure off of Rivers.
The other wide receivers Rivers must look for are Dontrelle Inman and Travis Benjamin. Benjamin didn’t have a huge game against the Chiefs with only 32 yards receiving and no touchdowns. His lack of production was due to Kansas City and their adjustments on defense. With Allen out, he becomes the number one wide receiver. Benjamin must take a larger role in the offense.
Dontrelle Inman most likely will be the second wide receiver option on the offense. He has only played three years but this is his opportunity to shine. Inman has to make Rivers trust him. The only way he will do that is by catching the football and gaining positive yards.
The Chargers will miss Keenan Allen’s play. It will be difficult to replace him. The Chargers can’t depend on one wide receiver but the whole wide receiver core must make life easier for Philip Rivers and the passing game.
How will the Chargers replace Keenan Allen?
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