Chargers News: Chargers 2016 Wide Receivers “The Hands Team”
By the end of the 2015 season the San Diego Chargers wide receiving corps became unrecognizable. It was rather unfortunate considering Keenan Allen was on pace for a record-breaking season after falling to an injury through eight games with a lacerated kidney. Allen was on pace for 134 receptions for 1,450 yards and eight touchdowns before suffering the injury at Baltimore verses the Ravens.
Dontrelle Inman, Javontee Herndon, recently resigned Vincent Brown & Tyrell Williams were names we saw conclude 2015 at wideout vs the Broncos in Denver. Malcolm Floyd also in this Week 17 contest, left with a concussion midway through the game. Not the way we would’ve liked to remember the silent killer a.k.a M80 leave the game.
Unfortunately injuries ravaged this group early and often in 2015. Steven Johnson started missing action in Week 5 and totaled 10 games played on the 16 game season. The last three years have not been some of Stevie Johnson’s better campaigns. Coincidentally he has been in a different uniform in each of the last three seasons. Buffalo, San Francisco & San Diego. He really needs to stay healthy and contribute on a weekly basis.
When a team loses three of its primary targets with an offensive line also riddled by injuries… that spells trouble. While everyone is quick to pile on Melvin Gordon, it really makes sense when you think about it, how is an offense supposed to operate like that? It’s amazing that All-Pro quarterback Philip Rivers played as well and injury free in 2015 with defenses attacking him constantly.
Let’s change the tune right quick and fast forward to 2016 with newly acquired wideout Travis Benjamin, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. This is something Philip Rivers has never had before, a true burner. Travis Benjamin was very successful with the likes of Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown as his quarterback. One can only imagine what he will do with Philip Rivers tossing him the pigskin.
While Philip Rivers does not boast a Super Bowl ring, his intangibles are always on display. It’s a thing of beauty to watch number 17 sling it across the yard. Get ready to watch him hit a receiver with 4.36 speed. Reservations for six anyone?!
Keenan Allen seems to be on a mission to prove last season was not a fluke. He looks just as lean and poised as he did prior to the start of last season. As he poses in a B-Boy stance shown in the feature image, Keenan Allen is the now leader of the this group. An All-Pro season is in this man’s future. Practicing against another future All Pro, Jason Verrett has become a real spectacle. Talks have heated up in the last day or so in regards to an extension for Keenan Allen as well. Details have already began to hit the national media. We will see if this extension does really take place.
SLEEPER ALERT:
Tyrell Williams is a 24 yr old receiver. At 6′ 4″ and 205 lbs with 4.43 40-yard speed, the second year pro is someone to remember. Williams seems to be at least in stature, Malcolm Floyd reincarnated. Undrafted free-agents are what the San Diego Chargers always seem to have buried away and ready to strike. My prediction is that Williams will ascend above Stevie Johnson by seasons end. Philip Rivers has long enjoyed rangy receivers that can go up and get it. Keep an eye on this kid as he has a bright future. Williams showed flashes in the preseason as well as the season finale in Denver. Remember his name.
Studied Journalism at Southwestern College Chula Vista Ca.
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Journalism background and avid sports fan. Lifelong Chargers & Padres fan. Hardcore sports historian & statatition (self-proclaimed) Always loved talking and nowadays texting thoughts, opinions and fanhood to mobile devices everywhere.