Oakland Raiders: Stacking up the wide receivers in the AFC West
By Kevin Saito
Los Angeles Chargers
Key Contributors: Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Mike Williams
It’s hard to make a compelling argument that the Chargers don’t have the division’s best receiving group – or just one of the best receiving groups in the entire NFL.
After all, they were the league’s top-ranked passing offense last season. The skill and ability of Los Angele’s receiving corps made Philip Rivers‘ job a whole lot easier. And has for some time now.
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Allen’s 102 receptions, 1,393 yards, and six touchdowns all led the team. Tyrell Williams chipped in with 728 yards and four touchdowns on 43 receptions, and Benjamin added 567 yards and four touchdowns on 34 grabs.
Injury wiped out the early portion of Mike Williams’ rookie year. He was out of action for the team’s first six games, and wasn’t overly productive when he did finally take the field. Williams ended his rookie campaign with just 11 receptions for 95 yards, and no touchdowns.
Back and healthy this season though, Williams should add to a deep, talented receiving group, and give Rivers another solid weapon to work with. Which, is a frightening prospect for opposing defensive coordinators and secondaries. Or at least, it should be.
With tight end Hunter Henry – who was fast becoming as reliable and dynamic as a young Antonio Gates – already out for the year with a torn ACL, Rivers and Los Angeles are going to be leaning on that receiver’s group even more.
And if history is any guide, the Chargers’ receivers will be well up to the task.